Psalms 147:16

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalm 147:16 is a poetic declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over the natural world, specifically focusing on winter phenomena. This verse continues the psalm's theme of praising the Lord for His immense power and benevolent care, both for His creation and His chosen people.

Context

Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise, emphasizing God's greatness and His active involvement in the world. The psalm transitions between celebrating God's cosmic power—such as His ability to create and control the elements—and His particular care for Jerusalem and Israel. Verses 15-18 specifically detail God's command over weather patterns, including snow, hoarfrost, ice, and wind, demonstrating that nothing in creation is outside His dominion. This verse follows directly from God sending forth His commandment upon earth, showing the immediate obedience of nature to His word.

Key Themes

  • Divine Control over Nature: The verse vividly illustrates that even seemingly random or harsh natural events like snowfall and frost are directly orchestrated by God. He "giveth" and "scattereth," indicating deliberate action and precise control. This highlights God's active role in creation, as also seen in Job 37:6 where He commands the snow.
  • God's Provision and Power: While winter can be challenging, the imagery here subtly hints at God's provision. Snow provides moisture and insulates the earth, while hoarfrost is a beautiful, intricate display of His creative hand. This speaks to God's power being not just destructive, but also nurturing and orderly.
  • Poetic Similes:
    • "Snow like wool:" This simile highlights the visual purity, softness, and perhaps the insulating quality of snow, which can cover and protect the ground like a blanket. It evokes a sense of abundance and gentle descent, suggesting God's gentle yet powerful hand.
    • "Hoarfrost like ashes:" Hoarfrost, which is frozen dew, appears delicate, white, and powdery. The comparison to "ashes" might refer to its light, scattered, and widespread distribution, or its fine, almost ethereal texture when it blankets the ground.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wool" (צֶמֶר, tsemer) emphasizes the soft, white, and insulating properties, connecting the imagery to a warm covering. The term for "ashes" (אֵפֶר, 'epher) suggests a powdery, scattered substance, underscoring the widespread and fine nature of the hoarfrost. These chosen comparisons are not merely descriptive but also carry connotations of purity, abundance, and delicate dispersion, all under God's masterful hand.

Practical Application

This verse encourages us to look at the natural world, even its colder, seemingly harsher aspects, as a testament to God's active presence and power. It reminds us that the same God who controls the vast forces of nature also cares for the details of our lives. Just as He sends snow and hoarfrost with precision, He orchestrates circumstances and provides for His creation. This evokes a sense of awe and trust in His unfailing sovereignty and meticulous care, echoing the sentiment that even the hairs of our head are numbered.

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Cross-References

  • Job 37:6 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

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

  • Psalms 148:8 (4 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 55:10 (2 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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

  • Job 37:10 (1 votes)

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