Psalms 147:18

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 147:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: He causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: He causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
Psalms 147:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 147

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: He causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He sendeth out his word, and melteth them, etc.] The snow, the hoar frost, and ice: this he does by a word of his, who can freeze the earth and waters, and thaw them at his pleasure; by ordering the sun to break forth with great heat, or rain to fall in great plenty; of both which Kimchi interprets his word; as well as by causing a warm wind to blow, as follows, he causeth his wind to blow, [and] the waters to flow: the south wind particularly; then the waters, which were still and motionless, flow as before, or more abundantly. Thus the hearts of men in a state of nature are like frozen earth or waters; they are cold, and without the heat of love, and affection to God and Christ, and…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He sendeth out his word - He commands: or, he speaks. And melteth them - Melts the snow and the ice. Compare the notes at Job 37:10-12 : “By the breath of God frost is given,” etc. The idea is, that they are entirely under his control. They obey him when he speaks. He causeth his wind to blow - The warm south wind: “his” wind, because he directs it, and causes it to perform his will. And the waters flow - The snow and the ice melt. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Psa 147:15; Job 6:16, Job 6:17, Job 37:10, Job 37:17 Psalms 147:19”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification