What does Psalms 93 mean?
Chapter Commentary:
Psalms 24, 47, 93, and 95—99 are often labeled as "enthronement" psalms. These celebrate God's absolute sovereignty and look forward to His direct rule over the entire world (Revelation 20:4). Psalm 15 is sometimes included in this list, as well.
God is all-powerful and eternal. Only God is uncreated (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1–3) and He has absolute power over all He has made. This omnipotence is as obvious as if the Lord wore it like a robe or belt. Nothing God has made can be changed or destroyed without His permission. He has always been and will always be the supreme power (Psalm 93:1–2).
In Scripture, water, seas, floods, and rivers are all used to imply power (Job 27:20; Psalm 69:2; Revelation 12:15) and chaos (Psalm 65:7; Isaiah 5:29–30; 57:20). Deep water covers, blocks light, and overpowers. Only God has the power to turn that chaos into order (Revelation 4:6; 15:2). The noisy, chaotic thrashing of water also parallels the non-Israelite people: the Gentiles. In the end, even these cultures (Isaiah 42:6; Luke 2:32) will comprehend God's truth (Psalm 43:3; John 3:19; Ephesians 5:9) and be tamed (Revelation 7:9). Because of God's long record of miraculous deeds, His omnipotence, and His holiness, all that He says can be trusted (Psalm 93:3–5).
Verse Context:
Psalm 93:1–2 describes God as powerful and supreme. That which He has created cannot be undone by another being; this stability is credited to His power. The Lord is also depicted as without beginning or end, as is His sovereign rule over the world.
Psalm 93:3–5 compares the power of God to that of seas and rivers. These references to water also imply the Gentile—non-Jewish—nations. Those are powerful, but the Lord is far stronger. God is the very definition of might. The Lord is also faithful and reliable. What God says is entirely true; His obvious power proves He can be trusted.
Chapter Summary:
The psalm opens with praise to the Lord. The focus is on His magnificence and incredible power. Because He is eternal and sovereign, the world which He created cannot be destroyed by any other being. Even the power of flood, rivers, and oceans is nothing compared to the power of God. God's power and knowledge should inspire trust in all He has said.
Chapter Context:
Several psalms are considered "enthronement" or "theocratic" passages. Other than this chapter, these include Psalms 24, 47, and 95—99. Some consider Psalm 15 an appropriate addition to the list. These songs celebrate the rule of God over the entire earth. Many look forward to the end times, when Jesus Christ, the Messiah, will govern the world personally for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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