The psalmist describes how the voice of the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon, the mightiest trees of the ancient world. The specific mention emphasizes the overwhelming power of God's voice to shatter what humans regard as most secure and stable. The verb "breaks" suggests violent rupture, the instantaneous destruction of the mighty. This verse employs hyperbolically true imagery: lightning during storms does indeed strike and splinter even the great cedars. The choice reflects the sensibility of ancient Israel, where Lebanon's cedars represented the pinnacle of natural strength. The verse emphasizes that all earthly strength stands fragile before God's transcendent might.

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