What does "ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name" mean in Psalm 29:2? Authorized Text “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.” — Psalm 29:2 Immediate Literary Setting Psalm 29 is a Davidic hymn that summons “heavenly beings” (v. 1) and ultimately all peoples to recognize Yahweh’s unrivaled majesty. Verses 1–2 form a triple imperative that opens the psalm, establishing worship as the only fitting response before the thunderous self-revelation of God in the storm (vv. 3–9) and His enthronement (vv. 10–11). Theological Core 1. Exclusive Worship: Only Yahweh possesses infinite glory (Isaiah 42:8); therefore, acknowledging His name precludes idolatry. 2. Covenant Recognition: To “ascribe… glory” is to confess every divine attribute—holiness, power, mercy, justice—displayed in creation, providence, and redemption. 3. Corporate Call: Plural imperatives place communal worship at the center of Israel’s—and the Church’s—identity (1 Peter 2:9). Canonical Cross-References • 1 Chron 16:28-29 and Psalm 96:7-9 echo Psalm 29 verbatim, integrating the call into temple liturgy. • Philippians 2:9-11 applies the same theme to Jesus, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,” revealing the Trinitarian fulfillment of Psalm 29:2. • Revelation 4:11 completes the trajectory: heavenly elders perpetually “ascribe” glory to the enthroned Creator. Historical-Liturgical Usage Rabbinic tradition associates Psalm 29 with the festival of Pentecost (Shavuot), celebrating the giving of the Law. Early Christian lectionaries paired it with Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3), where the Father’s voice echoes “the God of glory thunders” (Psalm 29:3). Practical Outworking • Worship Services: Use Psalms, creeds, and Trinitarian doxologies to articulate God’s glory explicitly. • Daily Life: Vocational excellence, ethical integrity, and evangelism reflect His name (Colossians 3:17). • Missional Priority: Announcing Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) fulfills the ultimate ascription of glory, since the cross and empty tomb manifest God’s weightiest glory—grace and truth (John 1:14). Eschatological Consummation Isaiah 66:18-23 foresees all nations gathering to “declare My glory.” Revelation 21:23 pictures the New Jerusalem illuminated by “the glory of God,” eliminating sun and moon. The final state eternally satisfies Psalm 29:2. Summary Definition “To ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name” is to consciously, corporately, and comprehensively recognize, proclaim, and display the full honor, worth, and radiant majesty that inherently belong to Yahweh—Father, Son, and Spirit—acknowledging Him as Creator, Redeemer, and eternal King, in worship, life, and mission, now and forever. |
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