A Psalm of David.
This introduction identifies King David as the author, a central figure in Israel's history, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as a shepherd, warrior, and king. David's psalms often reflect his personal experiences and his heart for worship. The psalms attributed to him are integral to the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament, providing insight into the worship practices and theological understanding of ancient Israel.

Ascribe to the LORD,
The call to "ascribe" suggests an acknowledgment or declaration of God's attributes. This imperative invites the audience to recognize and proclaim the inherent qualities of God. The term "LORD" in all caps refers to the divine name YHWH, emphasizing God's covenantal relationship with Israel. This phrase underscores the importance of worship and reverence, aligning with the broader biblical theme of giving God the honor due to His name.

O heavenly beings,
The phrase "heavenly beings" can be understood as referring to the angelic hosts or spiritual entities in the heavenly realm. This highlights the cosmic scope of God's majesty, suggesting that even the most exalted creatures in the spiritual hierarchy are called to worship Him. This aligns with other biblical passages where angels are depicted as worshippers of God, such as in Isaiah 6:1-3 and Revelation 5:11-12.

Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
"Glory" and "strength" are attributes that reflect God's majestic presence and omnipotence. The call to ascribe these qualities to the LORD emphasizes His supreme authority and power over all creation. This echoes themes found throughout the Psalms and other scriptures, such as Psalm 96:7-8 and 1 Chronicles 16:28-29, where the glory and strength of God are central to worship. These attributes also foreshadow the revelation of God's glory and strength in the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of God's nature (Colossians 2:9).

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, Yahweh is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. The verse calls for recognition of His glory and strength.

2. Heavenly Beings
Often understood as angels or celestial beings, these are called to acknowledge God's majesty. The Hebrew term "bene elim" can be translated as "sons of the mighty" or "heavenly beings," indicating those who dwell in the divine realm.

3. David (Author)
Traditionally attributed to King David, this psalm reflects his deep understanding of God's majesty and power, often expressed through nature and divine acts.Recognizing God's Sovereignty
We are called to acknowledge God's supreme power and authority in our lives, just as the heavenly beings are called to do.

Worship as a Response to God's Glory
Worship is not just a ritual but a response to the recognition of God's inherent glory and strength. Our lives should reflect this worship in all we do.

The Role of Creation in Declaring God's Glory
Just as the heavenly beings are called to ascribe glory to God, all of creation, including humanity, is designed to reflect and declare His majesty.

The Importance of Reverence
Understanding the majesty and power of God should lead us to a posture of reverence and awe in our daily walk with Him.

Engaging with the Heavenly Perspective
By aligning our worship with that of the heavenly beings, we gain a greater understanding of God's eternal nature and His work in the world.(1) Ye mighty.--Heb., bene-elim. Literally, sons of gods (not sons of God, since elim is never used by itself like Elohim for God). If, however, which is possible, it is used in a general sense for beings of supernatural power, but inferior to God, the expression bene-elim for angels would be intelligible, i.e., for angels (comp. Job 1:6; Isaiah 6:3) in the widest sense as ministers of God, and so including the lightning and storm. (Comp. Psalm 104:4.) The poet calls on the grand forces of nature themselves to offer praise to their Divine Master, for the glory which they have been commissioned to reveal. It is they who at the beginning and end alike of the psalm sing the praises of Him, who summoned them to speak to men in His name, and make His voice to be heard. The Prayer Book version, "bring young rams," comes from the LXX. and Vulg. The reading probably arose from a marginal gloss. It is the reading of five MSS. of Kennicott and five of De Rossi.

Verse 1. - Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty; literally, ye sons of the mighty. It is disputed who are meant. Most commentators suggest the holy angels (Rosenmuller, Hengstenberg, 'Speaker's Commentary,' ' Four Friends,' Professor Alexander, Cheyne, etc.); but some think the heathen (Michaelis, Kay); and others, the mighty ones of the earth generally (Koster), to be meant. Give unto the Lord glory and strength; i.e. praise his Name, ascribe to him glory and strength and every other excellency.

Parallel Commentaries ...


A Psalm
מִזְמ֗וֹר (miz·mō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4210: Instrumental music, a poem set to notes

of David.
לְדָ֫וִ֥ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

Ascribe
הָב֣וּ (hā·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3051: To give, to put, imperatively, come

to the LORD,
לַֽ֭יהוָה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

O heavenly beings,
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

ascribe
הָב֥וּ (hā·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3051: To give, to put, imperatively, come

to the LORD
לַ֝יהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

glory
כָּב֥וֹד (kā·ḇō·wḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness

and strength.
וָעֹֽז׃ (wā·‘ōz)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might


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OT Poetry: Psalm 29:1 A Psalm by David (Psalm Ps Psa.)