Psalms 147:15

KJV

He sendeth forth his commandment [upon] earth: his word runneth very swiftly.

KJV (with Strong's)

He sendeth forth {H7971} his commandment {H565} upon earth {H776}: his word {H1697} runneth {H7323} very swiftly {H4120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He sends his word out over the earth, his command runs swiftly.

Berean Standard Bible

He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly.

American Standard Version

He sendeth out his commandment upon earth; His word runneth very swiftly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 147:15 is a profound declaration of God's sovereign power and the immediate efficacy of His divine will. It beautifully portrays the Lord as actively engaged in His creation, sending forth His decrees and words with unparalleled speed and effectiveness. This verse underscores the absolute authority of God, whose commands are not mere suggestions but potent forces that accomplish His intended purposes without delay or hindrance, whether governing the natural world or directing the course of human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 147 is a magnificent hymn of praise, forming part of the final collection of psalms (Psalms 146-150), often referred to as the "Hallelujah Psalms" due to their recurring call to praise God. This particular psalm shifts between celebrating God's omnipotence over the natural world and His specific, covenantal care for Israel. Verses 1-11 focus on God's greatness, His healing power, and His meticulous care for the humble and the brokenhearted. Verses 12-20 then shift to a more specific praise for God's blessings upon Jerusalem and His unique revelation of His word to Jacob. Verse 15, "He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly," serves as a pivotal bridge, illustrating the mechanism by which God governs both the cosmic order (as seen in the subsequent verses describing snow, frost, ice, and melting waters in [Psalms 147:16-18](/psalms/147-16 "Psalms 147:16-18 - God's Control Over Nature")) and His covenant people (through His statutes and judgments in [Psalms 147:19-20](/psalms/147-19 "Psalms 147:19-20 - God's Word to Israel")). It highlights the active, dynamic nature of God's communication and control.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely in a post-exilic period, possibly after the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (as suggested by [Psalms 147:13](/psalms/147-13 "Psalms 147:13 - God Strengthens Jerusalem's Gates")), Psalm 147 reflects a community experiencing restoration and renewed hope. The people of Israel, having endured exile and dispersion, would have deeply appreciated the themes of God's gathering of the outcasts ([Psalms 147:2](/psalms/147-2 "Psalms 147:2 - God Gathers the Outcasts")) and His healing of the brokenhearted ([Psalms 147:3](/psalms/147-3 "Psalms 147:3 - God Heals the Brokenhearted")). In a world where imperial powers dictated fate, the psalm asserts that the true sovereign is Yahweh, whose word, not human decrees, holds ultimate sway over both nature and nations. The imagery of God sending forth His word and it running swiftly would have resonated with the immediacy of royal decrees or the swiftness of divine judgment and blessing, emphasizing God's direct and unhindered governance over all creation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 147 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, portraying God as the ultimate ruler whose will is enacted instantly across the earth. His "commandment" is not merely a suggestion but an irresistible decree that brings about His purposes. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Efficacy and Power of God's Word**. Unlike human words that can be empty or ineffective, God's "word runneth very swiftly," meaning it is inherently active, potent, and accomplishes precisely what He intends without delay or impediment. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Void"), which states that God's word will not return to Him void but will achieve its purpose. Thirdly, it emphasizes **God's Active Providence and Immediacy**, showing that God is not a distant deity but one who actively intervenes and governs His creation with promptness and precision. This active governance extends to both the grand cosmic scale, as seen in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), where God spoke creation into existence, and to the minute details of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commandment (Hebrew, _ʼimrâh'_):** From H565, this word refers to "something said," an utterance, a saying, or a decree. In this context, it signifies God's spoken word, which carries inherent authority and power. It is not merely a communication of information but a performative utterance that brings about what it declares. When God sends forth His `ʼimrâh`, it is an authoritative decree that sets events in motion, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and history.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this is a rich and multifaceted term meaning "a word," but by implication, also a "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," or "business." When applied to God, `dâbâr` encompasses not just the spoken sound but the active power, the creative force, and the effective will behind the utterance. It signifies God's dynamic and living communication, which is always accompanied by the power to accomplish its intent. The pairing of `ʼimrâh` and `dâbâr` in the verse emphasizes the comprehensive and active nature of God's divine communication and its immediate impact.
* **Swiftly (Hebrew, _mᵉhêrâh'_):** From H4120, meaning "a hurry," and adverbially, "promptly," "hastily," "quickly," or "speedily." This word vividly describes the manner in which God's word operates. It conveys the idea of rapid, unhindered execution. There is no resistance, no delay, and no impediment to the fulfillment of God's commands. When God speaks, His word travels with unparalleled speed and achieves its purpose with absolute immediacy and efficiency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth":** This clause establishes God as the active agent and the earth as the recipient of His divine decree. The verb "sendeth forth" (from H7971, _shâlach'_) implies a deliberate, purposeful dispatch, indicating that God is not a passive observer but an engaged sovereign who actively governs His creation. His "commandment" (H565, _ʼimrâh'_) is not a suggestion but an authoritative utterance that carries the full weight of His divine will and power, setting in motion the events and processes that shape the world.
* **"his word runneth very swiftly":** This second clause describes the nature and efficacy of God's divine communication. The "word" (H1697, _dâbâr'_) here is personified as an active entity that "runneth" (H7323, _rûwts'_), conveying an image of dynamic, unhindered movement. The adverb "very swiftly" (H4120, _mᵉhêrâh'_) emphasizes the immediate and rapid execution of God's will. It signifies that there is no obstacle or delay that can impede the fulfillment of God's spoken word. What God declares, He instantly and perfectly accomplishes.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 147:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Personification** is prominently featured, as God's "word" is depicted as an active agent that "runneth very swiftly." This imbues an abstract concept with human-like qualities of movement and speed, making God's power more tangible and immediate to the reader. The phrase "very swiftly" also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and unhindered effectiveness of God's word, suggesting a speed beyond ordinary human comprehension. While not strictly **Anthropomorphism** (attributing human form to God), the act of God "sending forth" His commandment suggests a deliberate, volitional action akin to human communication, reinforcing His active involvement in the world. The parallelism between "his commandment" and "his word" further highlights the singular, unified nature of God's powerful decrees.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 147:15 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God and His relationship with creation. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty, portraying Him not as a distant, detached deity, but as an intimately involved and actively governing Lord. The swiftness and efficacy of His word underscore the truth that God's will is irresistible and His purposes are unfailing. This divine attribute provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding believers that the same powerful word that governs the cosmos also upholds His promises and directs the lives of His people. It calls us to trust in a God whose every utterance is potent and whose plans are executed with perfect precision and timing.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Light into Being")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 147:15 serves as a powerful anchor for our faith, reminding us of the unwavering reliability and dynamic power of God's word. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, delay, and unfulfilled promises, this verse stands as a testament to a God whose every utterance is effective and whose purposes are executed with divine swiftness. It encourages us to re-evaluate where we place our trust: not in fleeting human assurances or the unpredictable course of events, but in the immutable and potent word of the Almighty. Understanding that God's word "runneth very swiftly" should infuse us with confidence in His active providence, knowing that His promises for our lives, His plans for His church, and His ultimate victory over all things are being accomplished precisely as He intends, with no power able to thwart His will. This truth should inspire awe, cultivate patience, and ignite a deeper reliance on Scripture as the living and active voice of God in our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swiftness and efficacy of God's word in Psalms 147:15 challenge or affirm your understanding of His active involvement in your daily life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in the immediate and powerful working of God's word, rather than relying on your own efforts or external circumstances?**
* **Considering that God's "commandment" and "word" are so potent, what implications does this have for how seriously you engage with and obey His revealed will in Scripture?**

### FAQ
**What does "He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: This phrase signifies God's active and direct governance over all earthly affairs. It means that God is not a passive observer but an engaged ruler who issues decrees and instructions that are immediately implemented across the globe. This can refer to His commands over nature (e.g., sending rain, snow, or causing seasons to change, as seen in [Psalms 147:16-18](/psalms/147-16 "Psalms 147:16-18 - God's Control Over Natural Phenomena")), His moral laws and statutes given to humanity (e.g., the Ten Commandments in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")), or His providential direction of nations and individuals. In essence, it means that God's will, when expressed, is a powerful force that shapes reality on earth.

**How does "his word runneth very swiftly" relate to the concept of God's omnipresence or omnipotence?**

Answer: The phrase "his word runneth very swiftly" directly relates to God's **omnipotence** (all-powerfulness) and implicitly to His **omnipresence** (being everywhere at once). It emphasizes that when God speaks, His word carries inherent power to accomplish its purpose without any delay or resistance. This swiftness is a hallmark of His omnipotence; unlike human commands that can be ignored or delayed, God's word is instantly effective because it is backed by infinite power. It also touches on His omnipresence in that His word is not limited by space or time; it can be "sent forth upon earth" and "run very swiftly" to any corner of creation, demonstrating that His authority and power are not confined to a single location but are universally present and active.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 147:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the living Word of God. The Old Testament speaks of God's word being sent forth with swift and effective power, and in the New Testament, we see this power perfectly embodied in Jesus. He is the [Logos, through whom all things were made](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - Jesus as the Divine Word"), and by whom all things continue to be upheld ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things by His Word")). When Christ walked the earth, His word demonstrated the very swiftness and efficacy described in the psalm: He spoke, and diseases vanished ([Matthew 8:8](/matthew/8-8 "Matthew 8:8 - The Centurion's Faith")), demons fled ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), storms ceased ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), and even the dead were raised ([John 11:43](/john/11-43 "John 11:43 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")). His "commandment" to repent and believe the gospel is a powerful, life-transforming word that "runneth very swiftly" into the hearts of those called, bringing about new creation and salvation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Ultimately, the swift and effective word of God in Psalms 147:15 is the dynamic, saving, and sovereign power of Christ, who continues to send forth His gospel into the world, accomplishing His redemptive purposes with divine speed and certainty until the day He returns to establish His eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 37:12

And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.

2 Thessalonians 3:1

¶ Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have [free] course, and be glorified, even as [it is] with you:

Matthew 8:8

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Matthew 8:9

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this [man], Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].

Matthew 8:13

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Psalms 33:9

For he spake, and it was [done]; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Psalms 107:20

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions.