Psalms 18:15

KJV

Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the channels {H650} of waters {H4325} were seen {H7200}, and the foundations {H4146} of the world {H8398} were discovered {H1540} at thy rebuke {H1606}, O LORD {H3068}, at the blast {H5397} of the breath {H7307} of thy nostrils {H639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The channels of water appeared, the foundations of the world were exposed at your rebuke, ADONAI, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.

Berean Standard Bible

The channels of the sea appeared, and the foundations of the world were exposed, at Your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.

American Standard Version

Then the channels of waters appeared, And the foundations of the world were laid bare, At thy rebuke, O Jehovah, At the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 18:15 stands as a powerful crescendo within King David's magnificent psalm of thanksgiving and deliverance, vividly depicting God's overwhelming power and active intervention on behalf of His anointed. Through dramatic cosmic imagery, the verse portrays the profound impact of God's divine presence and righteous wrath, causing the deepest, most hidden parts of creation—the channels of waters and the very foundations of the earth—to be exposed and laid bare by His mere rebuke and the forceful blast of His breath. This imagery underscores the Lord's absolute sovereignty, irresistible might, and His commitment to bringing salvation and judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 18:15 serves as the climactic point of a grand **theophany** (divine manifestation) spanning [Psalms 18:7-15](/psalms/18-7-15 "Psalms 18:7-15 - Theophany of God's Deliverance"). This section meticulously describes God's dramatic descent from heaven to rescue David from his enemies. The preceding verses paint a vivid picture of cosmic upheaval: the earth shaking, mountains trembling, smoke rising from God's nostrils, fire devouring, and coals blazing forth. Thunder, lightning, and hail accompany His arrival, culminating in the parting of the heavens and His riding upon a cherub. Verse 15, therefore, functions as the apex of this divine manifestation, illustrating the profound and cataclysmic effect of God's presence, specifically His "rebuke" and the "blast of the breath of His nostrils," on the very structure of the cosmos. This intense imagery sets the stage for God's subsequent active pursuit and destruction of David's adversaries in [Psalms 18:16-19](/psalms/18-16-19 "Psalms 18:16-19 - God Rescues David").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalm 18 is a royal psalm, explicitly attributed to David following his deliverance from all his enemies, particularly from the hand of Saul, as recounted in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"). This specific historical backdrop informs the highly personal yet universally applicable nature of the psalm. The imagery employed, particularly the cosmic phenomena and the divine warrior motif, resonates with ancient Near Eastern concepts of powerful deities who control natural forces and intervene in human affairs. However, unlike pagan deities, the God of Israel, Yahweh, is portrayed as uniquely sovereign, righteous, and personally committed to His covenant people. The "channels of waters" and "foundations of the world" evoke the primeval deep and the established order of creation, which are utterly subject to Yahweh's command, a concept deeply rooted in Israelite cosmology, as seen in [Genesis 1:9-10](/genesis/1-9-10 "Genesis 1:9-10 - God Separates the Waters and Establishes Dry Land").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes evident in Psalm 18 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Power and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all creation, even its deepest and most hidden elements. Nothing is beyond His reach or impervious to His will, emphasizing His omnipotence. Secondly, it underscores **God's Active Intervention and Deliverance**, portraying Him not as a distant observer but as a dynamic, personal God who descends into human history to rescue His faithful, as He did for David. This intervention is depicted as a cataclysmic event, shaking the very fabric of existence to secure justice and salvation for His anointed. Lastly, the imagery of "foundations... discovered" speaks to **Divine Revelation and Judgment**, implying that God's presence lays bare what is hidden, whether the physical structures of the earth or the hidden motives and sins of humanity, particularly those who oppose His righteous rule. This theme is powerfully echoed in passages like [Nahum 1:4-5](/nahum/1-4-5 "Nahum 1:4-5 - God's Power Over Nature and His Fury").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Discovered (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to denude," "to uncover," "to reveal," or "to lay bare." It implies that what was previously hidden or concealed becomes visible. When applied to the "channels of waters" and "foundations of the world," it suggests a radical, almost violent, exposure of the deepest, most secret parts of the earth. This revelation is a direct consequence of God's powerful presence and action, signifying that nothing can remain hidden from His sight or withstand His power to expose.
* **Rebuke (Hebrew, _gᵉʻârâh'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to chide" or "to admonish." This term signifies a strong, authoritative, and often indignant command. It is not merely a verbal reprimand but a forceful, effective word that causes things to recoil, scatter, or be exposed. In this context, God's rebuke is a powerful, causative force that physically alters the landscape, demonstrating His irresistible will and the immediate efficacy of His word. It implies a divine displeasure that brings about a profound response from creation itself.
* **Blast (Hebrew, _nᵉshâmâh'_):** This word denotes a "puff," "wind," "angry or vital breath," or "divine inspiration." In the phrase "blast of the breath of thy nostrils," it contributes to a vivid anthropomorphism, attributing human-like features (nostrils, breath) to God to convey His intense emotion and irresistible power. Coupled with "nostrils" (Hebrew, _ʼaph_), which often carries the connotation of anger or wrath, the "blast" evokes the image of a furious, hot, and powerful exhalation, akin to a storm wind or a raging fire. It signifies the overwhelming, destructive might of God's indignation against His enemies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the channels of waters were seen":** This clause describes the immediate and dramatic effect of God's intervention. "Channels of waters" (Hebrew, _ʼâphîyq_) refers to the deep beds of rivers or torrents, often hidden beneath the surface or obscured by water. Their sudden visibility implies a profound disturbance, perhaps the parting or drying up of waters, revealing what was previously concealed. This imagery suggests God's absolute power over the most fundamental and seemingly unassailable elements of creation.
* **"and the foundations of the world were discovered":** This parallels the first clause, extending the scope of God's power to the very bedrock of the earth. "Foundations of the world" (Hebrew, _môwçâdâh_ of _têbêl_) refers to the deep, stable structures upon which the earth is believed to rest. For these to be "discovered" or laid bare signifies a cosmic upheaval, an earthquake of such magnitude that it exposes the very underpinnings of existence. It underscores that even the most stable and hidden aspects of creation are utterly vulnerable to God's might.
* **"at thy rebuke, O LORD":** This phrase identifies the divine cause of the cosmic upheaval. The "rebuke" of the LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_) is not a mere word but a powerful, authoritative command that brings about physical and structural change. It emphasizes God's sovereign will and the immediate efficacy of His word, demonstrating that His displeasure alone is sufficient to shake the cosmos and bring about His intended purposes.
* **"at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils":** This final phrase reinforces and intensifies the cause, providing a vivid anthropomorphic description of God's furious power. It paints a picture of God's intense wrath and indignation, conceived as a powerful, hot breath that emanates from His nostrils, capable of unleashing cataclysmic forces upon the earth. This imagery underscores the terrifying and irresistible nature of God's power when He moves to deliver His people and judge His enemies.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 18:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine power and majesty. The most prominent is **Theophany**, the manifestation of God to humanity, which is central to the entire section ([Psalms 18:7-15](/psalms/18-7-15 "Psalms 18:7-15 - Theophany of God's Deliverance")). God's appearance is accompanied by terrifying natural phenomena, illustrating His immense power and righteous wrath. **Anthropomorphism** is powerfully employed, particularly in the phrase "blast of the breath of thy nostrils," attributing human-like features and emotions (anger, breath) to God to make His power relatable and impactful. This is not meant to limit God but to convey His intense, personal engagement. The verse also utilizes **Cosmic Imagery** and **Hyperbole**, describing the "channels of waters" and "foundations of the world" being exposed. This exaggerated language emphasizes the unparalleled scale of God's power, suggesting that even the deepest, most hidden, and seemingly unshakeable parts of creation are utterly subject to His will. Finally, **Parallelism** is evident, with "channels of waters were seen" paralleling "foundations of the world were discovered," and "at thy rebuke" paralleling "at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils." This structural repetition reinforces the central idea of God's overwhelming power and its profound effects on creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 18:15 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His active, often dramatic, intervention in human history. It reveals a God who is not distant or passive but intimately involved in the affairs of His people, capable of unleashing cosmic forces to achieve His purposes of deliverance and judgment. The imagery of the earth's foundations being laid bare speaks to a divine revelation so profound that it exposes all hidden things, foreshadowing a day when all will be revealed before God. This verse reassures believers of God's limitless power to protect and deliver, while simultaneously inspiring awe and reverence for His majestic presence and righteous judgment against all that opposes His will and seeks to harm His children.

* [Exodus 15:8](/exodus/15-8 "Exodus 15:8 - The Waters Piled Up")
* [Job 26:11](/job/26-11 "Job 26:11 - The Pillars of Heaven Tremble")
* [Revelation 20:11](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11 - The Great White Throne Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 18:15 offers profound encouragement and a call to deep reverence for the believer today. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse reminds us that our God is not limited by any circumstance or adversary. The same God who can expose the hidden "channels of waters" and lay bare the "foundations of the world" with a mere "rebuke" is the God who fights for us. This should instill in us an unshakeable confidence in His power to deliver us from spiritual, emotional, or physical strongholds. Furthermore, the sheer magnitude of God's power described here should cultivate in us a profound sense of awe and reverence. He is sovereign over all creation, and His word carries ultimate authority. We are called to trust in His justice, knowing that just as He intervened for David, He will ultimately expose and deal with all evil, bringing about His perfect will. This verse anchors our hope in a God who is both mighty Protector and righteous Judge, who sees all and acts decisively.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God exposing the "foundations of the world" challenge or deepen your understanding of His power and sovereignty in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's "rebuke" or powerful intervention to bring about deliverance, clarity, or revelation?**
* **How does reflecting on God's immense power, as depicted in this verse, impact your sense of awe and reverence for Him and His righteous character?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you draw from the idea that nothing is hidden from God, and all will ultimately be "discovered" by Him in His perfect timing?**

### FAQ
**What is a "theophany" and how does it relate to Psalms 18:15?**

Answer: A **theophany** is a visible manifestation or appearance of God to humanity, often accompanied by dramatic natural phenomena. In Psalms 18:15, the verse is part of an extended theophany ([Psalms 18:7-15](/psalms/18-7-15 "Psalms 18:7-15 - Theophany of God's Deliverance")) where God descends from heaven to rescue David. The imagery of the earth shaking, smoke, fire, thunder, and lightning, culminating in the exposure of the "channels of waters" and "foundations of the world," are all elements of this divine manifestation. This dramatic portrayal emphasizes God's active presence, immense power, and personal engagement in the affairs of His people, demonstrating that His intervention is a cataclysmic event that affects the very fabric of creation.

**Why does God use such dramatic, cosmic imagery to describe His intervention?**

Answer: The use of dramatic, cosmic imagery in Psalms 18:15 serves several profound purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes the **unparalleled magnitude of God's power**. By depicting Him as capable of shaking the very foundations of the earth and exposing hidden depths, the psalmist conveys that no obstacle is too great for God, and no enemy can withstand Him. Secondly, it highlights the **divine nature of the intervention**. Such cataclysmic events are beyond human capability, underscoring that the deliverance is a direct act of the Almighty. Thirdly, it creates a sense of **awe and reverence**, impressing upon the reader the majesty and terrifying holiness of God. Finally, it serves as a **powerful metaphor for judgment and revelation**, suggesting that God's presence lays bare what is hidden, whether the physical structures of the earth or the hidden wickedness of His adversaries, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 2:19](/isaiah/2-19 "Isaiah 2:19 - People Hide from the Lord's Terror") and [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - Nothing is Hidden from God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 18:15, with its depiction of God's cosmic power and dramatic intervention, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm describes God's deliverance of David, it points forward to the greater, more profound deliverance wrought by the Son of God. Jesus, as the incarnate Word, demonstrated absolute power over creation, rebuking the wind and waves with a mere command (cf. [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and walking on water (cf. [Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")), echoing the Lord's dominion over the "channels of waters." His ministry was a divine revelation, "discovering" the hidden truths of God's kingdom and exposing the spiritual foundations of sin and death. Ultimately, His death and resurrection represent the most profound divine intervention, a cosmic event that shook the earth (cf. [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - Earthquake at the Crucifixion")) and laid bare the power of sin and death, triumphing over them decisively. Through Christ, God's "rebuke" is directed at the powers of darkness and evil (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and the "blast of the breath of His nostrils" can be seen in the Holy Spirit He breathes into believers, bringing new life and empowering them to overcome (cf. [John 20:22](/john/20-22 "John 20:22 - Jesus Breathes the Holy Spirit")). He is the ultimate deliverer, the one through whom the very foundations of the world's brokenness are exposed and ultimately healed, leading to a new creation (cf. [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")).

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 106:9

He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

Exodus 15:8

And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, [and] the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

Psalms 104:5

[Who] laid the foundations of the earth, [that] it should not be removed for ever.

2 Samuel 22:16

And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

Jeremiah 31:37

Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

Joshua 3:13

And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

Joshua 3:16

That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.