enthroned over the flood

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;

the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.

Psalm 29:10

We kid ourselves if we believe that God’s sovereignty is only about blessing us. How arrogant we are to think that God MUST only bring good to sinners. God is certainly the God of refreshing springs in the desert. But He is also sovereign in the destroying flood. God is glorified in grace and also in judgment. The sooner we realize this, the healthier our view of God will be. And He may choose to correct our selfish theology by bringing rising water our way.

The word used for “flood” in this psalm is a very unique word. It is only used in the Old Testament to describe one event: The global flood of Genesis 6. That’s right... THAT flood where Noah built the ark and “tha animals a-comin’ two by two”. That Sunday School, flannelgraph story... that floating zoo tale... that’s the one this verse is talking about. God is enthroned over that kind of global catastrophe. God opened the heavens and uncorked the fountains of the deep to release a flood that covered the earth. He is equally sovereign and holy while unleashing a worldwide mass extinction event so severe that He eventually covenanted with Noah NEVER to do that kind of flood again!

Here, in a song of worship, God is praised as King over all, forever, and His power to destroy is one reason for His praiseworthiness. For us it may be an uncomfortable realization, but we can’t just beg for blessing without respecting God’s very real, very fearful power to destroy sinners who reject Him. He is enthroned over the destroying deluge. And we must in grateful praise remember His mercy!

Jesus reminded us to “fear Him Who has the power to destroy body and soul in Hell.” Death and Hell are the deluge of our generation. Hell will be the destiny of sinners who have never believed the gospel. And of course, Jesus has saved those who believe, sovereign over death and hell for us. He is worthy of our worship for that reason. He is sovereign over destruction and brings salvation. Jesus is enthroned over the flood.