Psalms 147:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 147:18 presents a vivid declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over the natural world, specifically His control over the elements of winter and spring. Following a depiction of the earth bound by ice and frost, this verse powerfully illustrates how God's authoritative word and the breath of His wind initiate a dramatic transformation, causing the frozen landscape to melt and life-giving waters to flow freely. It underscores the immediate and irresistible efficacy of divine command, revealing God as the active sustainer and renewer of creation, bringing vitality and movement after periods of stagnation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a magnificent hymn of praise, celebrating the multifaceted greatness of God. The psalm seamlessly weaves together themes of God's providential care for His creation and His particular covenantal faithfulness to His people, Israel. The immediate literary context for verse 18 is found in the preceding verses, [Psalms 147:15-17](/psalms/147-15-17 "Psalms 147:15-17 - God's Power Over Weather"), which describe God's power in sending various forms of winter precipitation: "He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?" This imagery establishes a scene of intense cold and frozen stillness. Verse 18 then introduces the dramatic reversal, demonstrating that the same divine power that brings the cold also commands its departure. The transition from God's cosmic power to His specific care for Israel (e.g., [Psalms 147:19-20](/psalms/147-19-20 "Psalms 147:19-20 - God's Word to Jacob")) highlights that the God who governs the universe is intimately involved in the destiny of His chosen people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For ancient Israel, an agricultural society deeply dependent on the rhythms of nature, the annual cycle of seasons was not merely a meteorological phenomenon but a direct manifestation of divine activity. Winters, particularly in the mountainous regions, could be severe, rendering the land barren and unproductive. The melting of snow and ice in the spring, leading to the swelling of rivers and streams, was a crucial event, signifying renewal, fertility, and the promise of a bountiful harvest. This life-sustaining water was understood as a direct gift from Yahweh. The ability to command such powerful and transformative elemental forces—to both freeze and thaw—was a clear testament to ultimate divine authority, distinguishing the God of Israel from the impotent deities of surrounding cultures. The imagery would have resonated profoundly with a people whose very existence was tied to the availability of water, reinforcing their understanding of Yahweh as the sole and supreme provider.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 147 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Power** over all natural phenomena. He is not a passive observer but the active orchestrator of the changing seasons and weather patterns, demonstrating a power that encompasses both the binding cold and the liberating thaw. Secondly, it highlights **The Efficacy and Authority of God's Word**. The phrase "He sendeth out his word" emphasizes the active, creative, and executive power inherent in God's spoken command. Unlike human words, God's word is inherently effective; it accomplishes precisely what He intends, echoing the primordial act of creation where [God spoke, and it came to be](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and the prophetic assurance that [His word will not return to Him void](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Void"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Divine Providence and Renewal**. The melting of ice and the subsequent flow of waters symbolize renewal, the breaking of stagnation, and the restoration of life. After the harshness of winter, God's command brings forth the life-giving flow essential for vegetation and sustenance, serving as a powerful testament to God's ongoing care for His creation and His capacity to bring about new life and flourishing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This term is far more comprehensive than a mere utterance. It signifies a decree, a matter, a thing, an affair, or even an event. When God "sends out His *dâbâr*", it implies His active will in motion, a powerful and effective command that brings about a tangible result. It's not just speech, but speech that performs, carrying inherent authority and power to accomplish its purpose.
* **Melteth (Hebrew, _mâçâh'_):** (H4529) This primitive root means "to dissolve," "to make to consume away," or "to water." In this context, it vividly describes the process of ice and frost turning into water. It conveys a sense of thoroughness and completeness in the dissolution, indicating God's power to utterly transform a frozen, solid state into a fluid, life-giving one.
* **Wind (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** (H7307) This versatile Hebrew term can refer to wind, breath, or spirit. Here, it functions as God's instrument, a natural force He employs to bring about the desired effect of melting and flowing water. The "blowing" of His wind is an active, dynamic force, directly linked to the transformation of the landscape, often signifying divine power and agency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He sendeth out his word":** This opening clause firmly establishes God as the supreme and sovereign agent, whose command is not merely verbal but inherently effective and executive. It highlights the divine *fiat* that initiates the profound change, underscoring the ultimate power and authority of God's spoken will over creation.
* **"and melteth them":** This phrase describes the immediate and direct consequence of God's authoritative word. "Them" refers back to the snow, frost, and ice explicitly mentioned in the preceding verses ([Psalms 147:16-17](/psalms/147-16-17 "Psalms 147:16-17 - God's Control Over Winter Weather")). The melting is not a natural process independent of God's intervention, but a direct and instantaneous result of His active decree.
* **"he causeth his wind to blow":** This clause introduces another divine instrument, God's "wind" or "breath" (*rûwach*). This wind is not a random natural phenomenon but an intentional act of God, serving as the physical mechanism through which the melting and subsequent flowing occur. It signifies God's active and dynamic manipulation of the elements to achieve His purposes.
* **"[and] the waters flow":** This is the final, life-giving outcome of God's command and action. The once-frozen, stagnant waters now move freely, symbolizing renewal, sustenance, and the breaking of barrenness. It completes the picture of divine power transforming the landscape from a state of frozen immobility to one of vibrant, life-sustaining movement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message about God's power. **Parallelism** is prominently featured through the two distinct yet complementary clauses: "He sendeth out his word, and melteth them" and "he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow." Both clauses describe God's direct, active intervention leading to a transformative effect on nature, thereby reinforcing the consistency, comprehensiveness, and irresistible nature of His power. **Anthropomorphism** is present in the depiction of God "sending out" His word and "causing His wind to blow," attributing human-like actions (sending, causing) to the divine to make His involvement more relatable, immediate, and understandable to the human audience. Furthermore, the melting of ice and the subsequent flowing of waters serve as powerful **Symbolism** for renewal, the breaking of stagnation, and the life-giving power of God. After the "frozen" state of winter, the divine command brings forth vitality, mirroring spiritual renewal and the overcoming of difficulties and barrenness by God's sovereign power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the active, dynamic, and intimately involved nature of God's sovereignty over His creation. It portrays God not as a distant deity who simply initiated the cosmos and then withdrew, but as an ever-present Lord whose word and breath continually orchestrate the most fundamental processes of nature. The immediate efficacy of God's word, causing frozen landscapes to melt and waters to flow, serves as a powerful theological statement about His ultimate authority and the certainty of His purposes. This divine control over the elements ensures the sustenance of life and demonstrates His faithful provision, moving creation from the harshness of winter into the promise of spring. It reminds us that God's power is not limited to grand, miraculous interventions but is continually at work in the ordinary, cyclical rhythms of the world, maintaining order, bringing renewal, and demonstrating His unwavering care for all creation.

* [Psalm 33:9](/psalms/33-9 "Psalm 33:9 - God Spoke, and It Was Done")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [Job 37:10](/job/37-10 "Job 37:10 - God's Breath Brings Ice and Thaw")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 147:18 offers profound encouragement and a compelling call to worship for believers today. If God can control the vast, seemingly immutable forces of nature with a mere word and a breath of wind, orchestrating the transition from frozen stagnation to life-giving flow, how much more can He manage the intricate circumstances of our lives? When we encounter "frozen" or seemingly stagnant situations—be it in our spiritual walk, challenging relationships, career impasses, or personal struggles—this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God possesses the sovereign power to melt away difficulties, break through formidable barriers, and cause new life, blessings, and opportunities to flow. It encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in His active providence, knowing that His word is inherently powerful and capable of bringing about profound change and renewal in our personal lives, just as it does in the grand cycles of the seasons. Furthermore, it calls us to a posture of constant praise and gratitude for His incredible power and faithful care, recognizing that our God is intimately involved in every detail of His creation and our existence, and that His timing is perfect for bringing about the necessary thaw and the subsequent flow of His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "frozen" or stagnant, and how does this verse inspire you to trust in God's power to bring about renewal?**
* **How does the immediate efficacy of God's word in nature challenge or affirm your understanding of His promises and their certainty in your own life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully acknowledge God's sovereignty over both the "winters" (difficulties) and "springs" (renewals) of your life?**
* **How might recognizing God's precise control over natural elements deepen your worship, gratitude, and confidence in His providential care?**

### FAQ

**What does "melteth them" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "Them" in [Psalms 147:18](/psalms/147-18 "Psalms 147:18 - God's Word Melts and Flows") refers directly to the various forms of frozen water mentioned in the preceding verses of Psalm 147. Specifically, [Psalms 147:16-17](/psalms/147-16-17 "Psalms 147:16-17 - God's Control Over Winter Weather") describe God sending "snow like wool," scattering "hoarfrost like ashes," and casting "His ice like morsels." Therefore, when God "sendeth out his word, and melteth them," it signifies the divine act of thawing this snow, frost, and ice, transforming the previously frozen landscape into flowing waters. It highlights God's complete and active control over the entire cycle of winter and spring.

**How does God's "word" act as a powerful force in this context?**

Answer: In biblical theology, God's "word" (Hebrew: *dâbâr*) is far more than a mere utterance; it is inherently active, creative, and executive. It carries the full weight of God's will, authority, and power. When God "sends out His word" in [Psalms 147:18](/psalms/147-18 "Psalms 147:18 - God's Word Melts and Flows"), it means His authoritative command goes forth and immediately accomplishes its intended purpose without fail. Just as [God spoke the world into existence in Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), His word here is the divine decree that directly causes the ice to melt and the waters to flow. It emphasizes that God's commands are not only effective but bring about tangible, transformative results without delay or impediment, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 147:18, with its profound emphasis on God's powerful word and Spirit bringing renewal and life to creation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the eternal [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom all things were created and by whom all things are continually sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). Just as the Psalmist declares God's word melts the frozen earth and causes waters to flow, Jesus, the incarnate Word, demonstrated absolute authority over creation, calming raging storms with a mere command ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and walking on the very waters He created ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")). Furthermore, the "wind" or "Spirit" of God that causes the waters to flow powerfully foreshadows the life-giving, transformative work of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ poured out upon His ascension to inaugurate the new covenant ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit")). Through Christ, the "frozen" hearts of humanity, hardened by sin and spiritual death, are melted by the convicting and regenerating power of the Spirit, allowing the "rivers of living water"—the very life of God—to flow from within believers, bringing spiritual vitality and eternal life ([John 7:38-39](/john/7-38-39 "John 7:38-39 - Rivers of Living Water")). Thus, the natural renewal described in the Psalm becomes a vivid and powerful metaphor for the spiritual renewal and new creation accomplished through the Word made flesh and the Spirit He sends.

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

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.