Psalms 147:15-18

15 He 1sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
16 He gives 2snow like wool; he scatters 3hoarfrost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his crystals of 4ice like crumbs; who can stand before his 5cold?
18 He 6sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.

Psalms 147:15-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 147

This psalm is thought to be written by David, and according to Theodoret predicts the return of the Jews from Babylon, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem by Zerubbabel, which seems to be grounded on Ps 147:2; though the words there agree well enough with the times of David; hence the title in the Septuagint, Ethiopic, Arabic, and Syriac versions, and Apollinarius, is as the preceding; the Syriac adds,

``concerning Zerubbabel and Joshua the priest, and Ezra, who were solicitous and diligent in building Jerusalem.''

Aben Ezra and other Jewish writers think it foretells the future rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the restoration of the Jews from their present captivity, and refer it to the times of the Messiah; and so far it may be right, that it respects Christ and the praise of him, on account of his nature and works; and may take in the conversion of the Jews. It seems to be written by the same person, and on the same account, as the preceding psalm.

Cross References 6

  • 1. [Psalms 148:8]
  • 2. Job 37:6
  • 3. [Job 38:29]
  • 4. Job 37:10
  • 5. Job 37:9
  • 6. ver. 15; [Job 37:12]; See Psalms 33:9; Psalms 107:20
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.