Psalms 18:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֤רָא֨וּ׀
were seen
H7200
וַיֵּ֤רָא֨וּ׀
were seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֲפִ֥יקֵי
Then the channels
H650
אֲפִ֥יקֵי
Then the channels
Strong's:
H650
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, containing, i.e., a tube; also a bed or valley of a stream; also a strong thing or a hero
מַ֗יִם
of waters
H4325
מַ֗יִם
of waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
3 of 11
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וַֽיִּגָּלוּ֮
were discovered
H1540
וַֽיִּגָּלוּ֮
were discovered
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
4 of 11
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
תֵּ֫בֵ֥ל
of the world
H8398
תֵּ֫בֵ֥ל
of the world
Strong's:
H8398
Word #:
6 of 11
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
יְהוָ֑ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִ֝נִּשְׁמַ֗ת
at the blast
H5397
מִ֝נִּשְׁמַ֗ת
at the blast
Strong's:
H5397
Word #:
9 of 11
a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal
Cross References
Psalms 106:9He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.Exodus 15:8And 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 76:6At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.Psalms 104:5Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.Job 4:9By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.Jeremiah 31:37Thus 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.2 Samuel 22:16And 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.Micah 6:2Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.Psalms 74:15Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood: thou driedst up mighty rivers.2 Kings 19:7Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.
Historical Context
References the Red Sea crossing where God's wind dried the sea bed, exposing foundations and creating passage for Israel while destroying Egypt's army.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's power over nature inform your trust in His ability to save?
- What modern 'seas' need God's rebuke and parting in your life?
Analysis & Commentary
God's rebuke exposed the channels of the sea and the foundations of the world. The Hebrew 'ga'ar' (rebuke) recalls God rebuking the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21) and Jesus rebuking wind and waves (Mark 4:39). The 'blast of breath from Your nostrils' suggests the same wind that parted the Red Sea. This portrays God's word controlling creation. Reformed theology sees God's sovereignty extending to every natural law and phenomenon.