Psalms 147:18

He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, [and] the waters flow.

He sendeth out {H7971} his word {H1697}, and melteth {H4529} them: he causeth his wind {H7307} to blow {H5380}, and the waters {H4325} flow {H5140}.

Then he sends his word out and melts them; he makes the winds blow, and the water flows.

He sends forth His word and melts them; He unleashes His winds, and the waters flow.

He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: He causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.

Commentary on Psalms 147:18 (KJV)

Psalms 147:18 (KJV): "He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, [and] the waters flow."

Context

Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise, celebrating God's greatness, power, and providential care over both creation and His chosen people, Israel. The preceding verses (verses 16-17) vividly describe God's power in sending snow, frost, and ice, likening them to "morsels" He scatters. Verse 18 then presents the powerful reversal: the same God who sends the cold also commands its departure, bringing warmth and the flow of water. This passage highlights God's absolute sovereignty over the natural world, from the smallest snowflake to the mighty forces that melt and cause rivers to flow.

Key Themes

  • God's Absolute Sovereignty and Power: This verse beautifully illustrates God's complete control over all natural phenomena. He doesn't just observe; He actively orchestrates the changing seasons and weather patterns. His power is undeniable and encompasses both the freezing cold and the thawing warmth.
  • The Efficacy of God's Word: The phrase "He sendeth out his word" emphasizes the active, creative, and executive power of God's spoken command. Unlike human words, God's word is inherently powerful and accomplishes exactly what He intends. When He speaks, things happen. This echoes the creation account where God spoke and things came into being, and the prophetic promise that His word will not return to Him void.
  • Divine Providence and Renewal: The melting of ice and the flowing of waters symbolize renewal, life, and the breaking of stagnation. After the harshness of winter, God's command brings forth the life-giving flow essential for vegetation and sustenance. It’s a testament to God's ongoing care for His creation.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "word" here is dabar (דָּבָר), which means more than just a spoken utterance; it carries the weight of a decree, an event, or a powerful action. It signifies God's active will in motion.
  • "Wind" is ruach (רוּחַ), a versatile Hebrew term that can refer to wind, breath, or spirit. In this context, it functions as God's instrument, a natural force He employs to bring about the desired effect of melting and flowing water.

Practical Application / Reflection

This verse offers profound encouragement for believers today. If God can control the vast forces of nature with a mere word and a breath of wind, how much more can He manage the circumstances of our lives? When we face "frozen" or seemingly stagnant situations, this verse reminds us that God has the power to melt away difficulties and cause new life and blessings to flow. It encourages us to trust in His active providence, knowing that His word is powerful enough to bring about change and renewal in our personal lives, just as it does in the seasons. It also calls us to praise Him for His incredible power and faithful care, recognizing that our God is intimately involved in every detail of His creation and our existence.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 147:15

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

  • Psalms 33:9

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

  • Job 37:10

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

  • Job 6:16

    Which are blackish by reason of the ice, [and] wherein the snow is hid:

  • Job 6:17

    What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.

  • Job 37:17

    How thy garments [are] warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south [wind]?

  • Psalms 107:20

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

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back