Psalms 147:18

18 He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

Psalms 147:18 in Other Translations

KJV
18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
ESV
18 He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.
NLT
18 Then, at his command, it all melts. He sends his winds, and the ice thaws.
MSG
18 Then he gives the command and it all melts; he breathes on winter - suddenly it's spring!
CSB
18 He sends His word and melts them; He unleashes His winds, and the waters flow.

Psalms 147:18 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 147:18

He sendeth out his word, and melteth them
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 spiritual things; they are as hard as a stone, and without any motion or desire after things divine and heavenly: but when the Lord sends his word, attended with a divine power and efficacy, it breaks and melts them; when the south wind of the blessed Spirit blows upon them, or his grace becomes effectual in convincing them of sin, righteousness, and judgment; and when the sun of righteousness arises on them with healing in his wings; with which being warmed, they are loosened, and flow to the Lord and his goodness for all spiritual blessings.

Psalms 147:18 In-Context

16 He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast?
18 He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
19 He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel.
20 He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws.Praise the LORD.

Cross References 2

  • 1. ver 15; Psalms 33:9; Psalms 107:20
  • 2. S Psalms 50:3
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