Psalms 147:15
He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.
Original Language Analysis
הַשֹּׁלֵ֣חַ
He sendeth forth
H7971
הַשֹּׁלֵ֣חַ
He sendeth forth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 7
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
4 of 7
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מְ֝הֵרָ֗ה
very swiftly
H4120
מְ֝הֵרָ֗ה
very swiftly
Strong's:
H4120
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly
Cross References
Job 37:12And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.2 Thessalonians 3:1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:Matthew 8:13And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.Psalms 33:9For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.Psalms 107:25For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.Psalms 68:11The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.Psalms 107:20He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.Job 34:29When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:Jonah 1:4But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern peoples understood divine words as powerful, effective speech. Kings issued decrees that subjects must obey; gods spoke and nature responded. However, Israel's theology insisted only Yahweh's word possessed inherent creative and governing power. Unlike pagan deities whose words might be resisted or fail, Yahweh's word accomplishes its purpose with swift certainty. This assurance sustained Israel through exile and restoration—God's promised word of return would surely be fulfilled.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's word as active agent (not merely information) change how you read Scripture?
- What decrees has God 'sent forth' in your life that are already 'running swiftly' toward fulfillment, even if you don't see results yet?
- In what ways does Jesus, as the incarnate Word, demonstrate the swift effectiveness of divine communication?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly. This verse transitions from agricultural provision to divine communication. The Hebrew hasholéach imrato aretz (הַשֹּׁלֵחַ אִמְרָתוֹ אָרֶץ) uses imrato (אִמְרָתוֹ), meaning His utterance, decree, or spoken word. God's word is not abstract theology but active agent—hasholéach (sends forth) portrays dynamic communication that accomplishes purpose.
"His word runneth very swiftly" (ad meherah yarutz devaro, עַד־מְהֵרָה יָרוּץ דְּבָרוֹ) personifies divine speech as a messenger running (yarutz) with great speed (meherah). Isaiah 55:11 declares God's word "shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please." The word runs swiftly because it cannot be hindered—what God speaks immediately begins fulfillment.
In this context, God's word governs both natural phenomena (vv. 16-18 describe snow, frost, ice responding to His command) and covenant relationship (v. 19 mentions statutes given to Israel). The same creative word that spoke light into existence (Genesis 1:3) sustains creation and directs history. John 1:1-3 identifies this eternal Word (Logos) as Christ Himself, through whom "all things were made." Jesus embodied swift divine action: "He commanded even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him" (Mark 1:27).