Psalms 147:17

KJV

He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?

KJV (with Strong's)

He casteth forth {H7993} his ice {H7140} like morsels {H6595}: who can stand {H5975} before {H6440} his cold {H7135}?

Complete Jewish Bible

sends crystals of ice like crumbs of bread -who can withstand such cold?

Berean Standard Bible

He casts forth His hail like pebbles. Who can withstand His icy blast?

American Standard Version

He casteth forth his ice like morsels: Who can stand before his cold?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 147:17 powerfully declares God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over the natural world, particularly highlighting His command over the formidable elements of winter. This verse, embedded within a larger hymn of praise, extols the Lord not only for His majestic power displayed in creation but also for His intimate, providential care for His people, demonstrating that even the most severe forces of nature are mere instruments in His hand, serving His divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a magnificent hymn of praise, likely composed during or after the post-exilic period, celebrating Yahweh's dual nature: His majestic power over the cosmos and His tender, particular kindness toward Jerusalem and the returning exiles. The psalm frequently juxtaposes these two aspects, moving seamlessly from God's grand cosmic control (e.g., His sending of rain and snow in [Psalm 147:8](/psalms/147-8 "Psalm 147:8 - God provides for the earth")) to His intimate concern for His chosen people (e.g., His building up of Jerusalem and gathering of outcasts in [Psalm 147:2](/psalms/147-2 "Psalm 147:2 - God builds up Jerusalem")). Verses 15-18 specifically focus on God's direct control over various weather phenomena—sending forth His word to command snow, frost, and ice—to illustrate His undeniable and irresistible authority over all creation, setting the stage for the rhetorical question of verse 17.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, weather phenomena were not merely inconveniences but matters of life and death, directly impacting harvests, livestock, and human survival. The harshness of winter, with its biting cold, ice, and snow, represented a formidable, often uncontrollable, force to ancient peoples. Therefore, God's explicit control over these elements, as depicted in this psalm, served as a profound testament to His absolute power, providence, and covenant faithfulness. Unlike the unpredictable deities of surrounding pagan cultures, the God of Israel was portrayed as the sovereign Lord who commanded nature with precision and purpose, ensuring that even the most severe conditions served His overarching plan for His creation and His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Psalm 147 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty over Nature**, vividly portraying Him as the active agent behind even the most extreme winter conditions, emphasizing the deliberate and abundant nature of His command. This aligns with other biblical passages that describe God's absolute control over creation, such as [Job 38:22-23](/job/38-22 "Job 38:22-23 - God's Treasuries of Snow and Hail") where God questions Job about the treasuries of snow and hail. Secondly, the rhetorical question "who can stand before his cold?" highlights **God's Unchallengeable Authority and Irresistible Power**. Just as no human can withstand the extreme cold God sends, no one can ultimately oppose His will or defy His commands, a concept echoed in [Nahum 1:6](/nahum/1-6 "Nahum 1:6 - Who Can Stand Before God's Indignation?"), which asks who can stand before His indignation. Finally, the verse subtly points to **Divine Providence**, implying that even seemingly destructive natural phenomena are part of God's ordered creation, serving His purposes and revealing His majesty, thereby reminding humanity of their constant dependence on Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **casteth forth (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies "to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it conveys a deliberate, active, and powerful act of expulsion or dissemination. God is not merely allowing ice to form; He is actively "throwing" or "hurling" it, suggesting immense force and intentionality, much like a sower casting seeds or a warrior hurling a spear. This emphasizes His direct and potent involvement in the natural process.
* **ice (Hebrew, _qerach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be bald" or "smooth," this word refers to ice, and by extension, hail or even rock crystal due to its smooth, reflective quality. The psalmist uses this term to denote the solid, frozen precipitation, highlighting its tangible and often formidable nature. The imagery evokes the hard, unyielding quality of ice, which can be both beautiful and destructive, entirely at God's command.
* **morsels (Hebrew, _path'_):** From a root meaning "to cut into bits," this word literally means "a bit," "piece," or "crumb," often referring to food. When applied to ice, it suggests ice falling in numerous, distinct pieces, perhaps like large hailstones or broken fragments of ice. This imagery reinforces the idea of abundance and the overwhelming force with which God sends it, as if He is scattering countless, substantial pieces of ice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He casteth forth his ice like morsels":** This clause vividly portrays God as the active agent behind the winter phenomena. The verb "casteth forth" (Hebrew: _shâlak_) implies a deliberate, forceful, and abundant outpouring. God is not a distant observer but the direct orchestrator, actively dispensing "His ice." The simile "like morsels" suggests that the ice falls not as a gentle dusting, but in distinct, substantial pieces, perhaps akin to large hailstones or chunks of ice. This imagery emphasizes the sheer quantity, power, and overwhelming nature of the divine command over the elements.
* **"who can stand before his cold?":** This is a rhetorical question that powerfully underscores the absolute and irresistible nature of God's power. It implies that no human being, no force, no creature, can withstand or endure the intensity of the cold that God commands. The "cold" (Hebrew: _qârâh_) here represents the full, penetrating severity of the winter elements under divine control. The question challenges any notion of human autonomy or resistance in the face of God's majestic authority, compelling the reader to acknowledge His unparalleled might and the futility of opposing His will.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 147:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine sovereignty. The most prominent is **Personification**, where God is presented as an active, almost physical agent "casting forth" His ice, giving Him a tangible and immediate presence in the natural world. This is further enhanced by the **Simile** "like morsels," which compares the falling ice to small, numerous pieces of food. This comparison not only emphasizes the abundance and distinctness of the ice but also subtly suggests God's control over even the smallest, most fragmented aspects of nature. Finally, the verse culminates in a powerful **Rhetorical Question**: "who can stand before his cold?" This question is not meant to be answered literally but to provoke reflection on the overwhelming and undeniable power of God, highlighting human fragility and the utter impossibility of resisting divine command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over creation. It reminds us that the same God who establishes the stars and governs the heavens also meticulously orchestrates the most minute and formidable aspects of earthly weather. His power is not abstract but intimately involved in the physical world, demonstrating that nothing, not even the most extreme natural forces, operates outside of His deliberate will and control. This divine mastery over the elements serves as a constant reminder of His omnipotence, His wisdom in ordering the cosmos, and His unwavering presence, even in conditions that seem chaotic or destructive to human perception.

* [Job 37:9-10](/job/37-9 "Job 37:9-10 - God's Power Over Wind and Ice")
* [Psalm 29:3-4](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3-4 - The Voice of the Lord Over the Waters")
* [Isaiah 40:26](/isaiah/40-26 "Isaiah 40:26 - God Calls Out the Stars by Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 147:17 offers a profound invitation to awe, trust, and humility in the face of God's immense power. In a world that often seeks to control and predict every variable, this verse serves as a potent reminder that ultimate control rests solely with the Creator. When we witness the raw, unyielding power of nature—be it a blizzard, a hurricane, or a drought—we are called to remember that these are not random occurrences but instruments in the hand of a sovereign God. This should inspire deep reverence and worship, knowing that the One who commands the ice and the cold also orchestrates every detail of our lives. In times of personal "cold" or hardship, this verse encourages us to trust in His providence, understanding that His sovereignty extends over every difficulty, working all things according to His perfect will, even when we cannot discern His purposes. It fosters a posture of humility, acknowledging our fragility and dependence on the One who is truly unchallengeable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on God's power over seemingly destructive natural forces (like extreme cold) deepen your trust in His sovereignty over your personal challenges?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "stand before His cold" in our own lives, resisting God's will or seeking control apart from Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of awe and worship for God's majestic power in creation?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply God causes suffering through natural disasters?**

Answer: Psalm 147:17 emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all natural phenomena, including severe weather like ice and cold. While the Bible affirms God's ultimate control over creation, it also presents a complex picture regarding suffering. This verse primarily highlights His power and majesty, not necessarily His intent to cause suffering in every instance of cold. Rather, it underscores that even the most formidable aspects of nature are under His command, serving His broader purposes, which often include revealing His glory, reminding humanity of their dependence, or fulfilling His redemptive plan. The Bible teaches that God can use natural events for various purposes, including judgment, discipline, or simply as a display of His power, as seen in [Job 37:13](/job/37-13 "Job 37:13 - God's Purpose for Storms").

**What is the significance of the phrase "like morsels" when referring to ice?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "morsels" (_path_) typically refers to small pieces or crumbs, often of bread. When applied to ice, as in Psalm 147:17, it creates a vivid image of ice falling in numerous, distinct pieces, rather than a continuous sheet. This could suggest large hailstones, broken chunks of ice, or a heavy, abundant fall of frozen precipitation. The significance lies in emphasizing the sheer quantity and force with which God "casts forth" His ice, highlighting His overwhelming power and the deliberate, almost playful, ease with which He commands even the most severe elements. It underscores that God's control is precise and abundant, not haphazard or limited.

**How does God's control over nature, as described here, relate to His care for His people?**

Answer: This verse, within the broader context of Psalm 147, beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of God's cosmic power and His intimate care for His people. The psalm frequently shifts between God's grand control over creation (e.g., [Psalm 147:8-9](/psalms/147-8 "Psalm 147:8-9 - God Provides for Animals and Earth")) and His specific concern for Jerusalem and Israel (e.g., [Psalm 147:2-3](/psalms/147-2 "Psalm 147:2-3 - God Heals the Brokenhearted")). The message is that the same immensely powerful God who commands the unyielding forces of nature is also the one who "heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" ([Psalm 147:3](/psalms/147-3 "Psalm 147:3 - God Heals the Brokenhearted")). His absolute sovereignty over the elements assures His people that He is fully capable of protecting, providing for, and delivering them, even in the most challenging circumstances. His power is not distant but actively engaged in their welfare.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 147:17, with its declaration of God's unchallengeable sovereignty over the elements, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently portrays Yahweh as the One who commands the wind and the waves, the snow and the ice. In the New Testament, we see this divine authority perfectly embodied in Jesus. He is the pre-existent Word through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). The very God who "casteth forth his ice like morsels" is revealed in Christ, who, with a mere word, could calm a raging storm, causing the wind and waves to obey Him ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). The rhetorical question, "who can stand before his cold?" echoes the unyielding power of God, a power fully manifest in Jesus, who demonstrated absolute authority over nature, sickness, demons, and even death itself ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")). Thus, the awe and trust inspired by God's control over creation in Psalm 147:17 are now directed towards Christ, the Lamb of God who is also the Almighty King, the One before whom all creation bows and no one can ultimately stand in opposition ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). He is the sovereign Lord who not only commands the physical elements but also reigns over all spiritual forces, ensuring that even the "cold" and hardships of life serve His redemptive purposes for those who are in Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")).

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 38:29

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

Job 38:30

The waters are hid as [with] a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.

Job 38:22

Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,

Job 38:23

Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?

Psalms 78:47

He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost.

Psalms 78:48

He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.

Job 37:9

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