Psalms – Chapter 29

Old Testament • 13 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 29 of Psalms begins: "A psalm of a canticle, at the dedication of David's house." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and sin and divine judgment. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1A psalm of a canticle, at the dedication of David's house.

2I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast upheld me: and hast not made my enemies to rejoice over me.

3O Lord my God, I have cried to thee, and thou hast healed me.

4Thou hast brought forth, O Lord, my soul from hell: thou hast saved me from them that go down into the pit.

5Sing to the Lord, O ye his saints: and give praise to the memory of his holiness.

6For wrath is in his indignation; and life in his good will. In the evening weeping shall have place, and in the morning gladness.

7And in my abundance I said: I shall never be moved.

8O Lord, in thy favour, thou gavest strength to my beauty. Thou turnedst away thy face from me, and I became troubled.

9To thee, O Lord, will I cry: and I will make supplication to my God.

10What profit is there in my blood, whilst I go down to corruption? Shall dust confess to thee, or declare thy truth?

11The Lord hath heard, and hath had mercy on me: the Lord became my helper.

12Thou hast turned for me my mourning into joy: thou hast cut my sackcloth, and hast compassed me with gladness:

13To the end that my glory may sing to thee, and I may not regret: O Lord my God, I will give praise to thee for ever.

Important Verses in Psalms 29

“A psalm of a canticle, at the dedication of David's house.”

Psalms 29:1

“Thou hast brought forth, O Lord, my soul from hell: thou hast saved me from them that go down into the pit.”

Psalms 29:4

“To thee, O Lord, will I cry: and I will make supplication to my God.”

Psalms 29:9

“To the end that my glory may sing to thee, and I may not regret: O Lord my God, I will give praise to thee for ever. ”

Psalms 29:13

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 29 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "A psalm of a canticle, at the dedication of David's house." The final verse reads: "To the end that my glory may sing to thee, and I may not regret: O Lord my God, I will give praise to thee for ever. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "A psalm of a canticle, at the dedication of David's house." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 133). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize worship and praise as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓Christ is the Divine Physician who heals both body and soul.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 29, containing 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2683). Here the emphasis falls on the Eucharist as source and summit, which shapes how the Church understands prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the Eucharist as source and summit bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 29 about?

Psalms 29 contains 13 verses. It opens with "A psalm of a canticle, at the dedication of David's house." and closes with "To the end that my glory may sing to thee, and I may not regret: O Lord my God, I will give praise to thee for ever. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 29?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "A psalm of a canticle, at the dedication of David's house." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 29?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Samuel 24Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Chronicles 16Shares people and themes with this chapterNehemiah 12Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison

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