Psalms 29:9

Authorized King James Version

The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ק֤וֹל

H6963

The voice

a voice or sound

יְהוָ֨ה׀

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יְחוֹלֵ֣ל

H2342

to calve

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

אַיָּלוֹת֮

H355

maketh the hinds

a doe or female deer

וַֽיֶּחֱשֹׂ֪ף

H2834

and discovereth

to strip off, i.e., generally to make naked (for exertion or in disgrace), to drain away or bail up (a liquid)

יְעָ֫ר֥וֹת

H3295

the forests

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

וּבְהֵיכָל֑וֹ

H1964

and in his temple

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

כֻּ֝לּ֗וֹ

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֹמֵ֥ר

H559

doth every one speak

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

כָּבֽוֹד׃

H3519

of his glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing glory contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood glory. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?