Psalms 29:2 - Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name - Margin: “the honor of his name.” The honor of His name is that which is due to it, or which properly belongs to it. The “name” is put here, as it often is, for God Himself; and the meaning is, “Ascribe to God the honor that is properly his due.” This is a claim addressed to the angels; it is a claim certainly not less binding on people. It is practically a call upon all creatures in the universe to ascribe due honor to God.

Worship the Lord - This exhortation is made particularly in view of the manifestations of His power in the storm. The idea is, that one who is capable of putting forth such power as is displayed in a tempest, has a claim to adoration and praise.

In the beauty of holiness - Margin, “in his glorious sanctuary.” The Hebrew phrase would properly mean “holy beauty.” Some have supposed that it means “in holy adorning,” or in such consecrated vestments as were worn by priests in the sacred services of the sanctuary, or when they came into the presence of Yahweh. So DeWette understands it. But the more probable interpretation is that which refers it to the state of the heart - the “internal” ornament - with which we should approach God - to a holy and pure state of mind - that beauty or appropriateness of the soul which consists in holiness or purity. Of this the external clothing of the priesthood was itself but an emblem, and this is that which God desires in those who approach Him in an act of worship. It may be added that there is no “beauty” like this; that there is no external comeliness, no charm of person or complexion, no adorning of costly robes, that can be compared with this. It is this which God seeks, and with this He will be pleased, whether under a less or more attractive external form; whether under rich and costly raiment, or under the plain and decent clothing of poverty.

Psalms 29:2

2 Give unto the LORD the gloryb due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.