The Psalms are a long playing record of praise to God, and here we have angel voices followed by the percussion section. The psalm is a sandwich with the opening scene a call to worship to the heavenly beings. (vv1,2) Holy is what God is - beautiful, stunning and majestic. Glory is what he elicits from those who surround Him.
Then we move to earth as a storm sweeps through the Holy Land from north (Sirion, Heron v6) to south (Kadesh v.8)
Being a timid child I never enjoyed thunderstorms, but that changed when I lived in Nigeria when regular hits on our corrugated roof and deluges that stopped the traffic were common. We all have a thunderstorm in our memory to which we had to give respect. The poet places the ear-splitting crack of the thunder and the tree-splitting power of the lightning side by side with the voice of the Lord. Earth now too resounds with cries of "Glory", not just to the forces of creation but to the powerful voice of the Lord. The storm is a picture of his power, His word the reality.
As the storm passes (vv.10,11) we see The Lord enthroned over the flood, as The King over the storm. Not only do the angels ascribe strength to the Lord but amazingly He passes His strength on to His people, blessing us with peace. Like at the birth of Jesus the angels are called in to celebrate the enthronement of the Lord over the flood - glory to God in the highest, (leading to) peace on earth to those on whom his favour rests. (Luke 2:14)
When the oceans rise and thunders roar I will soar with you above the storm Father you are king over the flood I will be still and know you are God.
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