Psalms 147:16

KJV

He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.

KJV (with Strong's)

He giveth {H5414} snow {H7950} like wool {H6785}: he scattereth {H6340} the hoarfrost {H3713} like ashes {H665}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus he gives snow like wool, scatters hoarfrost like ashes,

Berean Standard Bible

He spreads the snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes;

American Standard Version

He giveth snow like wool; He scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 147:16 is a profound poetic declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous involvement in the natural world, particularly focusing on the phenomena of winter. Through vivid similes, the psalmist extols the Lord's immense power and benevolent care, demonstrating that even the seemingly random or harsh aspects of creation are orchestrated with divine precision and purpose, reflecting His continuous provision and majestic control over all things.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a magnificent hymn of praise, forming part of the final collection of psalms (Psalms 146-150) that collectively serve as a grand doxology. The psalm seamlessly transitions between celebrating God's cosmic power and His particular, intimate care for His chosen people, Israel, and the city of Jerusalem. Verses 15-18 specifically elaborate on God's command over meteorological phenomena, including snow, hoarfrost, ice, and wind, demonstrating that no aspect of creation operates outside His direct dominion. This verse follows directly from [Psalm 147:15](/psalms/147-15 "Psalm 147:15 - God's Word to Earth"), which states that God "sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly," implying the immediate and unquestioning obedience of nature to His divine decree. The imagery of snow and hoarfrost here serves as concrete examples of this swift and powerful execution of God's will in the physical realm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, weather patterns were not merely observations but critical determinants of survival and prosperity. Rain, dew, and even snow were understood as direct manifestations of divine favor or judgment. While snow was less common in the lower elevations of Israel, it was a familiar sight in the mountainous regions, particularly in the north and the higher parts of Judea. Its appearance, often sudden and transformative, would have been seen as a powerful display of God's might. The comparisons of snow to "wool" and hoarfrost to "ashes" would have resonated deeply with a people familiar with the practicalities of sheep rearing and the common sight of ash from fires. These natural elements, though sometimes challenging, were ultimately viewed as part of God's providential care, providing moisture for the land and demonstrating His comprehensive control over the cycles of nature, which were essential for their agricultural and pastoral livelihoods.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 147 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty over Nature**, asserting that God is not merely a distant creator but an active, immanent ruler who "giveth" and "scattereth" the elements with deliberate intent. This theme is echoed in passages like [Job 37:6](/job/37-6 "Job 37:6 - God Commands the Snow"), where God commands the snow to fall, and [Amos 4:7](/amos/4-7 "Amos 4:7 - God Withholds Rain"), where He controls the rain. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Meticulous Care and Provision**. While winter phenomena can be harsh, the imagery of "wool" suggests a covering, perhaps even insulation and protection for the earth, hinting at God's nurturing aspect even in severe conditions. The beauty and intricate formation of hoarfrost also speak to His artistry and attention to detail in creation. This divine provision extends beyond the physical, symbolizing God's comprehensive care for all aspects of His creation, including humanity, as seen in [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Feeds the Birds"). Lastly, the verse emphasizes **God's Unchallengeable Power and Authority**, demonstrating that the same God who establishes cosmic laws also orchestrates the smallest details of weather, reinforcing the idea that nothing is outside His dominion or beyond His capacity to control.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **giveth (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From a primitive root, this verb is used with the greatest latitude of application, meaning to give, put, make, appoint, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver, or even cause. In this context, it signifies God's active, intentional, and sovereign distribution of snow, emphasizing that its descent is not random but a direct act of His will.
* **snow (Hebrew, _sheleg'_):** This word refers to snow, likely derived from a root suggesting its whiteness. It denotes the physical phenomenon of frozen precipitation, here serving as a tangible example of God's control over the elements and His ability to transform the landscape with purity and covering.
* **hoarfrost (Hebrew, _kᵉphôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cover," this term properly refers to a covering, by implication a tankard or covered goblet, but also specifically white frost (as covering the ground). It describes the delicate, crystalline formation of frozen dew, highlighting God's intricate artistry and the widespread, fine nature of His meteorological creations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He giveth snow like wool:"** This clause presents a powerful simile comparing the falling snow to wool. The verb "giveth" (H5414, _nâthan_) emphasizes God's deliberate and active role in sending the snow, not as a random occurrence, but as a purposeful act of divine will. The comparison to "wool" (H6785, _tsemer_) evokes several qualities: its pure white color, its softness, its insulating properties, and its ability to cover the ground like a blanket. This imagery suggests not only the abundance and widespread nature of the snowfall but also a sense of gentle provision and protection, as wool provides warmth and covering.
* **"he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes."** The second clause continues the theme of God's control over winter phenomena, focusing on hoarfrost. The verb "scattereth" (H6340, _pâzar_) indicates a widespread, dispersed distribution, whether in bounty or as an act of judgment. The hoarfrost (H3713, _kᵉphôwr_), which is frozen dew appearing as fine, white crystals, is likened to "ashes" (H665, _ʼêpher_). This comparison highlights the light, powdery, and widespread nature of hoarfrost as it settles over the landscape. While "ashes" can sometimes connote desolation or mourning, here, in conjunction with the delicate nature of hoarfrost, it likely emphasizes the fine, ethereal texture and the way it blankets the ground in a thin, diffused layer, again showcasing God's meticulous and pervasive influence over even the smallest details of His creation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Simile**, the primary literary device, directly comparing "snow like wool" and "hoarfrost like ashes." These comparisons are not merely descriptive but carry profound implications. The "snow like wool" evokes images of purity, softness, and a protective, abundant covering, suggesting God's gentle yet pervasive provision. The "hoarfrost like ashes" highlights the fine, powdery, and widespread nature of the frost, covering the ground with a delicate, almost ethereal layer. Beyond simile, the verse employs striking **Imagery**, painting vivid pictures of winter landscapes under divine command. The use of verbs like "giveth" and "scattereth" personifies God, attributing to Him direct, active involvement, which can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, emphasizing His personal and immediate control over natural processes. The overall effect of these devices is to underscore God's **Sovereignty** and **Omnipotence**, demonstrating His mastery over creation down to its most intricate details, transforming potentially harsh elements into illustrations of His majestic power and meticulous care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical truth that God's dominion extends not only to the grand cosmic order but also to the minute details of meteorological phenomena. It challenges any notion of a deistic God who merely sets the world in motion and then withdraws. Instead, it portrays an actively engaged Creator who "giveth" and "scattereth," demonstrating His continuous, personal, and sovereign control over every aspect of creation. This divine oversight is not arbitrary but purposeful, reflecting His wisdom, power, and benevolent provision for the earth and its inhabitants. The beauty and order in these natural occurrences, even in the cold of winter, serve as a constant testament to God's presence and His meticulous care, inviting humanity to worship and trust in His unfailing governance.

* [Job 37:6](/job/37-6 "Job 37:6 - God Commands the Snow"): "For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the shower and to the torrents of rain, ‘Be strong.’"
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Like Rain and Snow"): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
* [Psalm 104:13](/psalms/104-13 "Psalm 104:13 - God Waters the Mountains"): "From your lofty dwelling you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 147:16 calls us to a deeper sense of awe and trust in God's pervasive sovereignty. In a world often perceived as chaotic or governed by random chance, this verse reminds us that the same God who orchestrates the vast forces of nature also attends to the delicate details of snow and hoarfrost. This truth should profoundly impact our perspective on life's circumstances. Just as He meticulously sends snow and scatters hoarfrost, He is intimately involved in the details of our lives, our challenges, and our provisions. We are invited to find peace in His control, knowing that His power is not only mighty but also purposeful and often nurturing, even when conditions seem harsh. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate appearances and recognize the divine hand at work in all things, fostering a spirit of worship and unwavering confidence in His meticulous care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's control over natural phenomena like snow and hoarfrost deepen your trust in His sovereignty over your personal life?**
* **In what ways can seemingly harsh or challenging "winter seasons" in life still be seen as part of God's purposeful provision or meticulous work?**
* **What specific details in creation, beyond snow and hoarfrost, speak to you about God's artistry and attention to detail?**
* **How might a greater awareness of God's active involvement in the natural world transform your daily prayer life or worship?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist compare snow to wool and hoarfrost to ashes?**

Answer: The comparisons are chosen for their evocative qualities and symbolic resonance. "Snow like wool" (H7950, _sheleg_ and H6785, _tsemer_) highlights the snow's visual purity, its soft texture, and its ability to cover the ground like a protective, insulating blanket, suggesting abundance, gentleness, and provision. "Hoarfrost like ashes" (H3713, _kᵉphôwr_ and H665, _ʼêpher_) emphasizes the hoarfrost's fine, powdery texture and its widespread, scattered distribution across the landscape. While "ashes" can sometimes symbolize mourning or desolation in other contexts, here it likely refers to the light, almost ethereal quality of the frost, which blankets surfaces in a delicate, widespread layer, showcasing God's intricate artistry and pervasive reach in creation. Both similes underscore God's complete and detailed control over these natural phenomena.

**Does this verse imply God controls all weather events, or just winter ones?**

Answer: While this verse specifically mentions snow and hoarfrost, it is part of a larger psalm (Psalms 147) that celebrates God's comprehensive control over all aspects of nature. [Psalm 147:18](/psalms/147-18 "Psalm 147:18 - God Sends His Word and Melts Ice") speaks of God sending out His word and melting ice, and [Psalm 147:15](/psalms/147-15 "Psalm 147:15 - God's Word to Earth") states that "He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly." The broader biblical narrative consistently affirms God's absolute sovereignty over all weather patterns, including rain ([Deuteronomy 11:14](/deuteronomy/11-14 "Deuteronomy 11:14 - God Gives Rain")), wind ([Psalm 107:25](/psalms/107-25 "Psalm 107:25 - God Raises Stormy Winds")), and storms ([Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord's Way is in the Whirlwind and the Storm")). Therefore, this verse serves as a specific illustration of a broader theological truth: God is the ultimate orchestrator of all natural phenomena.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 147:16 speaks of God the Father's sovereign control over creation, its themes find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the active agent of creation, for "all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). The very power that "giveth snow like wool" and "scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes" is resident in Christ, who demonstrated His mastery over nature by calming the raging storm with a mere word, causing His disciples to marvel, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" ([Mark 4:39-41](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Just as snow covers the earth in purity, Christ's sacrifice provides a covering for sin, cleansing us and making us "whiter than snow" ([Psalm 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Wash Me, and I Shall Be Whiter Than Snow"), echoed in [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Though Your Sins Are Like Scarlet, They Shall Be As White As Snow")). Furthermore, the meticulous care God shows in scattering hoarfrost like ashes reflects the precise and personal care Christ extends to His people, knowing even the number of hairs on our heads ([Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God Knows Every Hair")). Thus, the psalmist's praise for God's dominion over winter's elements becomes a profound testament to the cosmic authority and intimate care of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all creation holds together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")).

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 37:6

¶ For he saith to the snow, Be thou [on] the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

Job 38:29

Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?

Psalms 148:8

Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

Isaiah 55:10

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

Job 37:9

Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.

Job 37:10

By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.