Psalm 29: A Canaanite Hymn to YHWH in the Psalter

Interpreted as praising the divine powers on the storm, Psalm 29 is

currently a cornerstone of the thesis of YHWH’s storm-god identity and

his closeness to the Canaanite Baal. Here, this view is challenged by

considerations about YHWH’s powers on the storm and a reanalysis of

Psalm 29, including a comparative examination of the three possible

expressions of the voice of YHWH (storm, volcanism, and metallurgy); a

whole-psalm analysis of its structure, content and literary

developments; and the meaning of five songs (Psalms 46, 96-98, 114)

conditioned by it. This analysis identifies Psalm 29 as a pre-Israelite,

Qenite song promoting a metallurgical relationship with YHWH, and

praising him as the ‘Lord of mabbul’ (=revitalization).

Its content unveils the Qenite Yahwism and its enduring influence in

Israel. The conditioned psalms express how this song contributed to the

evolution of the Israelite religion, especially the transformation of

YHWH into the ‘Lord of Justice’ in Psalms 96-98 and the Isaiah theology.