Psalms 18:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּ֤רָא֨וּ׀

H7200

were seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֲפִ֥יקֵי

H650

Then the channels

properly, containing, i.e., a tube; also a bed or valley of a stream; also a strong thing or a hero

מַ֗יִם

H4325

of waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַֽיִּגָּלוּ֮

H1540

were discovered

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

מוֹסְד֪וֹת

H4146

and the foundations

a foundation

תֵּ֫בֵ֥ל

H8398

of the world

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

מִגַּעֲרָ֣תְךָ֣

H1606

at thy rebuke

a chiding

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מִ֝נִּשְׁמַ֗ת

H5397

at the blast

a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal

#10

ר֣וּחַ

H7307

of the breath

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#11

אַפֶּֽךָ׃

H639

of thy nostrils

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?