Psalm 29:1 reminds us that true worship begins when we humbly acknowledge God’s supreme glory and unparalleled strength.
In this psalm, David begins with a sacred call: “Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.” (v.1) By urging the “sons of the mighty” to “ascribe” these attributes to the LORD, the psalmist encourages all who wield power or influence—whether earthly rulers, angelic beings, or those considered mighty within their communities—to recognize that the true source of power and greatness is God alone. Such a declaration places the LORD in the highest place of honor, emphasizing that even the strongest among us still draw their worth from Him.
The word “ascribe” suggests an intentional act of acknowledging and proclaiming God’s majesty. When we “ascribe to the LORD glory and strength” (v.1), we are both confessing and praising Him for who He is. This is a reverent reminder that every good thing comes from the hand of the Almighty, and no spotlight should linger on human prestige at the expense of divine praise. Elsewhere in Scripture, believers are invited to approach God in humility, recognizing that He is the one who provides for His people (James 1:17). In line with the broader teachings of the Bible, this passage points forward to the ultimate revelation of God’s power manifested through Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Matthew 28:18).
Though there is no specific city or person mentioned in this verse, David remains its likely author, living around 1000 BC as the king who united the tribes of Israel. His royal position underscores the significance of giving glory to God rather than seeking it for oneself. David’s exhortation here resonates through time: the highest form of worship is recognizing the LORD’s sovereignty and might above all else.
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Psalms 29:1 meaning
In this psalm, David begins with a sacred call: “Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.” (v.1) By urging the “sons of the mighty” to “ascribe” these attributes to the LORD, the psalmist encourages all who wield power or influence—whether earthly rulers, angelic beings, or those considered mighty within their communities—to recognize that the true source of power and greatness is God alone. Such a declaration places the LORD in the highest place of honor, emphasizing that even the strongest among us still draw their worth from Him.
The word “ascribe” suggests an intentional act of acknowledging and proclaiming God’s majesty. When we “ascribe to the LORD glory and strength” (v.1), we are both confessing and praising Him for who He is. This is a reverent reminder that every good thing comes from the hand of the Almighty, and no spotlight should linger on human prestige at the expense of divine praise. Elsewhere in Scripture, believers are invited to approach God in humility, recognizing that He is the one who provides for His people (James 1:17). In line with the broader teachings of the Bible, this passage points forward to the ultimate revelation of God’s power manifested through Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Matthew 28:18).
Though there is no specific city or person mentioned in this verse, David remains its likely author, living around 1000 BC as the king who united the tribes of Israel. His royal position underscores the significance of giving glory to God rather than seeking it for oneself. David’s exhortation here resonates through time: the highest form of worship is recognizing the LORD’s sovereignty and might above all else.