93 The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Your throne is established from of old;
you are from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O LORD,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.
Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the LORD on high is mighty!
Your decrees are very trustworthy;
holiness befits your house,
O LORD, forevermore.
(ESV)
Psalm 93 is a beautiful royal psalm. It is part of a collection of psalms that hail God as King and describe His universal reign over all things. It is interesting to discover that the first time Scripture mentions God as King isn’t until Numbers 23. In fact, the statement doesn’t even come from a follower of God. It comes from the pagan seer Balaam during one of his oracles.
“He has not observed misfortune in Jacob; Nor has He seen trouble in Israel; The LORD his God is with him, And the shout of a king is among them.
Numbers 23:21 NASB
It was a fascinating statement that the writers in Psalms no doubt picked up on. The word used here by Balaam refers to a trumpet blast that signals the people into war. It can also mean to begin their march, call them to ritual occasions, or to simply cry out in joy.
Consider a human king that rules over a nation of people. He sits high up in his palace, protected by his guards and his advisors. He is often out of touch with the needs of his people. Though human kings of old may have intended to rule with morality and justice, most fell victim to the many vices available to them from that prestigious position. Just look back at the kings who ruled over Judah and Israel.
The point being, God is not just any king. He is not in some mysterious, inaccessible place. He dwells among His people. He is not out of touch with human need. He walked among us when the Word became flesh. He not only intends to rule with morality and justice, but He also promises it. Furthermore, He fulfills that promise every second of every day.
Sometimes our souls require the nourishment of His Kingship. He is clothed in majesty and girded with strength. Yet, He dwells among us in this wretched, sin-stained world. He is truly a King like no other.