Psalm 93, Ruler of the Crashing Seas!

This short praise song compares God's majesty with the awesome power of the waves of the sea. It is the first of seven psalms (93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, says Kidner) that begin with similar calls to worship.

Psalm 93:1-2, YHWH reigns!

 The LORD reigns, 

he is robed in majesty;

 the LORD is robed in majesty 

and is armed with strength. 

The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.

 Your throne was established long ago; 

you are from all eternity.

The call to worship begins with an exclamation, "YHWH reigns!" The Creator of the universe holds court over a stable and established world, created and maintained from long ago.

Psalm 93:3-4, Greater than the chaotic seas

 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,

 the seas have lifted up their voice; 

the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, 

mightier than the breakers of the sea-- 

the LORD on high is mighty.

Even the powerful chaotic sea is the Lord on High!

Hear the rhythm of the waves in the building triplets of lines, first in the pounding of "seas lifted up..., seas lifted up..., seas lifted up...,", and then in the ascending "mightier than..., mightier than..., mighty!"

Psalm 93:5,

 Your statutes stand firm; 

holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD.

The drumbeat of the waves suddenly ends with a declaration -- even God's statutes are stable and firm, part of the holiness of His house.