Psalm 93

Psalm Category: A Royal Psalm

Central thought: God is in charge in our world, however bad it may look at times; and He reigns over all to save His people.

Reigning is what monarchs used to do. Most are now said to “reign” but not rule, because they are figureheads. God’s reign, however, is His rule. An erstwhile absolute ruler named Nebuchadnezzar learned this the hard way (Dan. 4:35). For all the rebelliousness of humankind, God rules behind, above and before all human activity, even if He is not consciously served and obeyed.

This is an important truth, because to the outward view God is not obviously reigning over this sin-wracked world. Matthew Henry is correct to say that, “Next to the being of God there is nothing that we are more concerned to consider than God’s dominion, that Jehovah is God, and that this God reigns.” Why? Because a powerless God is no God at all! The fact that in our world the dogs of sin are on long leashes and often seem to run wild and unchecked poses a huge test to our faith that asks, “Does God really rule?”

God rules over all (vv. 1-2). This psalm begins with the thesis, “The Lord reigns”—no ifs, ands or buts! The truth is that the good news of salvation could have no power and efficacy without a God able to execute His perfect will. The song of the Church in glory confesses this truth, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come” (Rev. 19:6-7).

The supporting argument is in two parts. The first is that the material universe evidences that the Lord is both “clothed with majesty” and “girded…with strength.” The Alaska earthquake of 1964 is estimated to have released the energy of 60,000 Hiroshima nuclear bombs! Jesus upholds “all things by the word of His power” (Heb. 1:3). The heavens declare God’s glory (Ps. 19:1). His majesty is all around you! (Rom. 1:20).

The second line of argument is the eternality of God’s rule (v. 2). This gives confidence in the unchangeableness of His kingdom (Ps. 145:13) and puts earthly rulers in perspective (1 Cor. 15:24). Having an eternal king means we have an eternal destiny.

God rules His enemies (vv. 3-4). The illustration here is of flooding and the waves of the sea. Its application is to the raging of sinners. “The nations rage” (Ps. 2:1). “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked’” (Isa. 57:20-21). This raging is both outside and inside: troubles from wickedness and troubles of sin within the heart. It is about the enemies of God and of our souls.

The answer to this is that the Lord is “mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea” (v. 4). God’s enemies, notice, are not much better than “noise” (See Job 38:8-11; Ps. 33:7, 10). This ties in to the gospel, for when Jesus calmed the waves “those who were in the boat came and worshipped Him, saying, ‘Truly, You are the Son of God’” (Matt. 14:22-33). It takes God’s Son and God’s power to save the lost.

God rules His people (v. 5). God’s rule comes most forcibly to us in our personal experience when we are converted to Christ and discover in our hearts that the gospel is “the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). This is the glorious application of God’s reign—through Jesus’ mediatorial kingship. Three wonderful truths are set before us for our encouragement.

1 There are sure promises for God’s people: “Your testimonies are very sure” (v. 5a). How many of your promises were not kept simply because you lacked the power to keep them? You meant to keep them, but you bit off more than you could chew! The Lord is able to keep His promises perfectly.

2 There is a holy calling for God’s people: “Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord” (v. 5b). The indicative—God’s sure promises—issues in the imperative: practical godliness “adorns” His people’s lives.

3 There is eternal life with the Lord for God’s people “forever” (v. 5c). Jesus Christ is our prophet, priest and king forever. The Eternal Word (prophet) took our human flesh and nature; died in our place (great high priest); and is Head over all things to the church (king). “It is the song of the gospel church, of the glorified church,” says Matthew Henry. “Alleluia, the Lord God omnipotent reigns…the marriage of the Lamb is come” (Rev. 19:7). The Lord reigns!