English Basic Explanation - Chapter 29

Chapter 29

This chapter vividly describes God's unlimited power over the natural forces.  It makes repeated reference to the Almighty's "voice," and speaks of its capability to dry oceans (verse 3), destroy the strongest trees (verses 5-6) and even entire forests (verse 9), and split flames of fire (verse 7).  Towards the end of the Psalm, David points to perhaps the most extreme manifestation ever of the Almighty's power – the Mabul, the deluge during the time of Noach, which firmly established God's unquestioned, eternal kingship over the earth ("Va'yeshev Hashem Melech Le'olam" – verse 10).

According to the Radak (verse 3), this entire chapter speaks of the Messianic era, when God will destroy the enemy nations with supernatural force.  The descriptions of the drying of the sea and the destruction of trees and fire are allegorical references to the dramatic downfall of Israel's foes.  Rashi, however, claims that these refer to past events, specifically the splitting of the sea (verse 3) and the Revelation at Sinai (verses 4-8), when God's power destroyed the enemy nations.  (Rashi concedes, however, that verse 9 describes the downfall of Israel's enemies in the times of Mashiach.)

In this Psalm's final verse, David foresees the blessings of strength and peace that God will bestow upon Am Yisrael.  After the descriptions of the Almighty's frightening and destructive force, David reassures us that this destruction will befall only those who reject God's kingship and authority.  His faithful servants, however, will be spared His vengeance and will instead receive His personal protection and blessing.