Psalms 29:5

Authorized King James Version

PDF

The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

Original Language Analysis

ק֣וֹל The voice H6963
ק֣וֹל The voice
Strong's: H6963
Word #: 1 of 9
a voice or sound
יְ֝הוָ֗ה of the LORD H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיְשַׁבֵּ֥ר breaketh H7665
וַיְשַׁבֵּ֥ר breaketh
Strong's: H7665
Word #: 3 of 9
to burst (literally or figuratively)
אַרְזֵ֥י the cedars H730
אַרְזֵ֥י the cedars
Strong's: H730
Word #: 4 of 9
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
וַיְשַׁבֵּ֥ר breaketh H7665
וַיְשַׁבֵּ֥ר breaketh
Strong's: H7665
Word #: 5 of 9
to burst (literally or figuratively)
יְ֝הוָ֗ה of the LORD H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַרְזֵ֥י the cedars H730
אַרְזֵ֥י the cedars
Strong's: H730
Word #: 8 of 9
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
הַלְּבָנֽוֹן׃ of Lebanon H3844
הַלְּבָנֽוֹן׃ of Lebanon
Strong's: H3844
Word #: 9 of 9
lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

Analysis & Commentary

The imagery 'The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon' depicts divine power over nature's strongest elements. Lebanon's cedars were ancient symbols of strength and permanence. God's voice shatters them effortlessly. Reformed theology sees omnipotence—nothing in creation resists God's power. If His voice breaks cedars, how much more should humans submit? This psalm emphasizes that power demonstrated in nature extends to all reality.

Historical Context

Cedar of Lebanon was prized for temple construction (1 Kings 5:6) due to strength and durability. These trees represented human achievement and natural strength. God's sovereignty over them demonstrated His supremacy over all earthly power.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics