Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. — Psalm 29:2b
The idea of “ascribing” is an odd one, because it is not a word we commonly use in 21st century English. I suppose our common word would be “count” or “accredit,” meaning ‘apply a thing to one’s account, or as the source of that thing.” So when we say ‘ascribe glory to the Lord,” I think we mean something like ‘acknowledge the glory that he has,” or, ‘reckon to yourself that God deserves our weighty regard and honor.”
The next phrase parallels this to help us take home the concept: “worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” This is a bit more direct in saying the Lord is worthy of our praise, and our making an effort to adorn ourselves in the ‘clothing’, both figurative and literal, of holiness and cleanness and purity, casting away our sin, darkness, and lies.
I love the end of this psalm and the truth that is speaks, “The LORD sits enthroned over the flood.” He is in authority over the floods, both physical and circumstantial. They do not catch him by surprise, nor is he swept up in their wake, nor do they cause him danger. Furthermore, nothing threatens his Kingship: “The LORD sits enthroned as king forever.” Demons and ‘rulers and authorities,’ have no sway over him and though they cast a shadow at times, like weak rain clouds threatening to flood the earth, they are all subject to his power and authority.
And finally, the psalmist beseeches the Lord for a blessing: “May the Lord give strength to His people! May the Lord bless his people with peace.” Is this not what every human needs and desires with each new day: to have peace and strength in life? This is precisely who God is; His rule and power and authority make him the source of these blessings; His mercy, love, and grace make him willing to grant them to us. We sin when we seek peace and strength from other sources. We ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name when we seek Him alone as our source of peace and strength!
