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.
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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.
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
Linguistic Insights
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.