Bible Commentaries
Psalms 93

Verses 1-2

1. The authority of Yahweh 93:1-2

The psalmist declared the sovereignty of Yahweh over the world. He described the Sovereign as clothed with strength rather than with ornate robes. Clothing says something about the person wearing it. That was true of this king too. The immovable condition of the world shows how absolutely God controlled it. However, this refers to life on the earth more than it does to the planet in the solar system. God will control all life on earth. God’s universal authority has existed forever. Therefore there is no doubt it will continue.

Verses 1-5

Psalms 93

The psalmist rejoiced in the Lord’s reign in this psalm. This is one of the "enthronement" or "theocratic" psalms that depict the righteous rule of God on earth (cf. Psalms 47, 95-99). They focus on God’s sovereignty over His people Israel, but they also point prophetically to the future reign of David’s greatest Son during the Millennium. Psalms 47, 93-100 all affirm Yahweh’s rule over the earth.

Verses 3-4

2. The power of Yahweh 93:3-4

God’s power is greater than that of the tumultuous seas that move with irresistible force and great noise. The Canaanites believed Baal overcame the sea, which they called Prince Yamm. Here the psalmist pictured Yahweh as much mightier than the sea. The early readers of this psalm would have understood it as a polemic against Baalism. Yahweh has true authority over the sea that to ancient Near Easterners typified everything uncontrollably powerful and hostile.

Verse 5

3. The holiness of Yahweh 93:5

In contrast to Baal’s morally corrupt sanctuaries, the Lord’s house was holy. What transpired in the temple contrasted strongly with what took place where the Canaanites worshipped their god. This behavior reflected the character of the two deities. God’s holiness guarantees the trustworthy nature of His words. Unblemished holiness manifests itself in unlimited power. [Note: See Allen, Rediscovering Prophecy, pp. 55-68.]

This psalm teaches the reader that God’s power demonstrates that He is alive and active. Consequently, everyone should submit to Him and obey His commands.