Psalms 18:15 - Then the channels of waters appeared. The foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, Yahweh, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
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What does "Psalms 18:15" mean?
Psalm 18:15, embedded within a larger psalm of David's thanksgiving for deliverance, uses vivid and poetic language to describe the power and majesty of God. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:
"Then the channels of waters appeared": This suggests a dramatic and sudden exposure of the depths of the sea or other bodies of water. The "channels" could refer to underwater canyons, riverbeds, or simply the separation of water masses.
"The foundations of the world were laid bare": This is even more dramatic, implying the Earth itself was stripped down to its deepest, most fundamental levels. The "foundations" are not just literal bedrock, but the underlying structure and principles upon which the world is built.
"at your rebuke, Yahweh": This connects the previous two phrases directly to God's power. The revealing of the sea and the earth's foundations isn't a natural phenomenon; it's a direct consequence of God's "rebuke," or stern reprimand.
"at the blast of the breath of your nostrils": This is a powerful anthropomorphism (attributing human characteristics to God). God's "breath," or spirit, is often associated with his creative and destructive power. The "blast of his nostrils" evokes the image of a furious and powerful force, like a storm wind or a volcanic eruption.
Overall Meaning
The verse is a poetic depiction of God's immense power and his ability to control creation. It suggests that in response to God's wrath or intervention, the very structure of the world can be altered or exposed. This serves to emphasize:
God's sovereignty: God is in control of all things, even the fundamental forces of nature.
God's power: He can exert force so immense that it alters the physical world.
God's justice: This display of power is often linked to God's response to evil or his defense of the righteous (as seen in the larger context of Psalm 18).
Interpretation
It's important to note this is poetry, not a literal scientific description. The verse likely draws on imagery from:
Creation accounts: Recalling how God separated the waters and established the land in Genesis.
The Flood narrative: Echoing the catastrophic upheaval described in the story of Noah's Ark.
The Red Sea crossing: Reminiscent of God splitting the sea for the Israelites.
The verse is intended to evoke a sense of awe and reverence for God's unparalleled power. It's a hyperbolic expression of his ability to act decisively and dramatically in the world. It assures the psalmist (and the reader) that God is a powerful protector who can overcome any obstacle.
Psalms 18:15 - Then the channels of waters appeared. The foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, Yahweh, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
What does "Psalms 18:15" mean?
Psalm 18:15, embedded within a larger psalm of David's thanksgiving for deliverance, uses vivid and poetic language to describe the power and majesty of God. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:
"Then the channels of waters appeared": This suggests a dramatic and sudden exposure of the depths of the sea or other bodies of water. The "channels" could refer to underwater canyons, riverbeds, or simply the separation of water masses.
"The foundations of the world were laid bare": This is even more dramatic, implying the Earth itself was stripped down to its deepest, most fundamental levels. The "foundations" are not just literal bedrock, but the underlying structure and principles upon which the world is built.
"at your rebuke, Yahweh": This connects the previous two phrases directly to God's power. The revealing of the sea and the earth's foundations isn't a natural phenomenon; it's a direct consequence of God's "rebuke," or stern reprimand.
"at the blast of the breath of your nostrils": This is a powerful anthropomorphism (attributing human characteristics to God). God's "breath," or spirit, is often associated with his creative and destructive power. The "blast of his nostrils" evokes the image of a furious and powerful force, like a storm wind or a volcanic eruption.
Overall Meaning
The verse is a poetic depiction of God's immense power and his ability to control creation. It suggests that in response to God's wrath or intervention, the very structure of the world can be altered or exposed. This serves to emphasize:
God's sovereignty: God is in control of all things, even the fundamental forces of nature.
God's power: He can exert force so immense that it alters the physical world.
God's justice: This display of power is often linked to God's response to evil or his defense of the righteous (as seen in the larger context of Psalm 18).
Interpretation
It's important to note this is poetry, not a literal scientific description. The verse likely draws on imagery from:
Creation accounts: Recalling how God separated the waters and established the land in Genesis.
The Flood narrative: Echoing the catastrophic upheaval described in the story of Noah's Ark.
The Red Sea crossing: Reminiscent of God splitting the sea for the Israelites.
The verse is intended to evoke a sense of awe and reverence for God's unparalleled power. It's a hyperbolic expression of his ability to act decisively and dramatically in the world. It assures the psalmist (and the reader) that God is a powerful protector who can overcome any obstacle.