The Voice of the LORD (Psalm 29:7)

2022-06-10

Psalm 29 is a chiastic structure. Each verse starts a new nested bookend until you get to a focal point. It is probably good to read this short Psalm to get a better picture.

  1. The Lord’s strength in Psalm 29:1, 11
  2. The Lord’s kingship and worship in Psalm 29:2, 10
  3. The Lord’s dominion over the waters in Psalm 29:3, 10
  4. The Lord’s glory and majesty in Psalm 29:3-4, 9
  5. The Lord’s power over the forests in Psalm 29:5, 9
  6. The Lord’s power over the animal kingdom in Psalm 29:6, 9
  7. The Lord’s power over the nations in Psalm 29:6, 8
  8. The Lord divides the flames of fire in Psalm 29:7, which is the focal point

When you read this Psalm, the Lord’s attributes of power are described in relation to His voice: His voice is upon the waters, His voice is powerful, etc. More specifically, His voice implies the Word spoken by His voice. It is by the Word that God created the world, and it is by the Word He has begotten us again.

But what about the crux of this chiasm? “The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire” (Psalms 29:7). What does this remind you of?

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:2-4)

Pentecost was the beginning of the salvation to the nations, where the Gospel was spread forth over the world. The Gospel is going out to all the languages of the world, as God can speak every language. That effort continues today. The Word always comes in power with the Holy Spirit and changes lives. Acts 2:2-4 is the fulfillment of Psalm 29.