The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed here is the dramatic contrast between nature's frantic response to God's voice and the peaceful worship within His temple. While the thunder causes animals to give birth prematurely and strips forests bare, the very same divine power compels those in His presence to declare "Glory!"—a testament to the refuge and awe found in Him.
The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm has been building a powerful depiction of God's voice, comparing it to a thundering storm that shakes the natural world. It moves from the majestic power of God's voice in nature to its effects on all creation, from delicate deer to dense forests. The verse concludes by contrasting the trembling natural world with the reverent praise found in God's temple, where His glory is declared by His people.
Have you ever felt the raw power of a thunderstorm? This Psalm connects that immense force to God's very voice, revealing how even the natural world reacts in profound ways.
The Voice That Affects All Life
The Bible often uses nature as a canvas to display God's power and presence. In Psalm 29:9, God's "voice" isn't just sound; it's a force that impacts creation in dramatic ways.
These are not just random events, but profound demonstrations of God's sovereign voice over all creation.
While nature trembles and is stripped bare, there's a place where God's voice leads to joyous declaration. What is this sacred space and who participates?
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From Trembling to Praise
The second part of the verse offers a stark contrast to the destructive power unleashed on the natural world. While the storm rages and its effects are felt far and wide, within "his temple" a different response takes place.
This highlights a crucial theological truth: God's power, while capable of judgment and destruction, is ultimately revealed and worshiped in His presence, bringing glory to His name through His faithful people.
Understand the original words
hekal · Hebrew Noun
The physical place of God’s dwelling or the heavenly reality where He is worshipped. It signifies the center of holiness, covenantal presence, and the place where His authority is acknowledged.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
The manifestation of God’s character, brilliance, and weightiness. It represents the visible display of His infinite majesty, perfection, and presence that demands human adoration.
This passage, which is alluded to in the commentaries, discusses the difficulty a hind has in giving birth, aligning with the imagery of the LORD's voice causing premature births due to terror.
1 Samuel 4:19This passage describes a woman giving birth due to the terror caused by the Ark of God being captured, mirroring the idea of fear inducing birth mentioned in Psalms 29:9.
Psalm 11:4This verse speaks of the LORD's throne being in heaven, which connects to the idea of God's 'temple' or 'palace' mentioned in Psalm 29:9, representing His heavenly dwelling place.
Revelation 19:1This passage describes a great voice from heaven in the midst of a rejoicing crowd, echoing the theme of divine glory being proclaimed from a heavenly 'temple' or royal court.
Jeremiah 10:13This verse describes God making His thunder sound and bringing out the wind, showing the powerful, voice-like effects of God's presence in nature, similar to the storm imagery in Psalms 29.
poolePsalms 29:9: "The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory."
Maketh the hinds to calve, through the terror which it causeth, which hastens the birth in these and other places: see 1 Samuel 4:19 . He nameth the hinds, because they bring forth their young with difficulty, Job 39:1,2 . Discovereth, Heb. maketh bare ; either of its trees, which it either breaks or strips off their leaves; or of the beasts, which it…
ellicottPsalms 29:9: "The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory."
(9) Maketh the hinds to calve. —Literally, maketh the hinds writhe ( with pain ) . (See margin. Comp. Job 39:1 , where the hind’s habit of hiding its young for safety is alluded to, a habit which the violence of the storm makes it forget.) Both Plutarch and Pliny notice the custom of shepherds to collect their flocks during a thunderstorm, for such as…
What's easily missed here is the dramatic contrast between nature's frantic response to God's voice and the peaceful worship within His temple. While the thunder causes animals to give birth prematurely and strips forests bare, the very same divine power compels those in His presence to declare "Glory!"—a testament to the refuge and awe found in Him.
This psalm has been building a powerful depiction of God's voice, comparing it to a thundering storm that shakes the natural world. It moves from the majestic power of God's voice in nature to its effects on all creation, from delicate deer to dense forests. The verse concludes by contrasting the trembling natural world with the reverent praise found in God's temple, where His glory is declared by His people.
This psalm has been building a powerful depiction of God's voice, comparing it to a thundering storm that shakes the natural world. It moves from the majestic power of God's voice in nature to its effects on all creation, from delicate deer to dense forests. The verse concludes by contrasting the trembling natural world with the reverent praise found in God's temple, where His glory is declared by His people.
"The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”" — What's easily missed here is the dramatic contrast between nature's frantic response to God's voice and the peaceful worship within His temple. While the thunder causes animals to give birth prematur…
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Last reviewed October 2026