Psalms 147:18

18 Then he gives a command, and the ice melts; he sends the wind, and the water flows.

Psalms 147:18 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 147:18

He sendeth out his word, and melteth them
The snow, the hoar frost, and ice: this he does by a word of his, who can freeze the earth and waters, and thaw them at his pleasure; by ordering the sun to break forth with great heat, or rain to fall in great plenty; of both which Kimchi interprets his word; as well as by causing a warm wind to blow, as follows,

he causeth his wind to blow, [and] the waters to flow:
the south wind particularly; then the waters, which were still and motionless, flow as before, or more abundantly. Thus the hearts of men in a state of nature are like frozen earth or waters; they are cold, and without the heat of love, and affection to God and Christ, and spiritual things; they are as hard as a stone, and without any motion or desire after things divine and heavenly: but when the Lord sends his word, attended with a divine power and efficacy, it breaks and melts them; when the south wind of the blessed Spirit blows upon them, or his grace becomes effectual in convincing them of sin, righteousness, and judgment; and when the sun of righteousness arises on them with healing in his wings; with which being warmed, they are loosened, and flow to the Lord and his goodness for all spiritual blessings.

Psalms 147:18 In-Context

16 He spreads snow like a blanket and scatters frost like dust.
17 He sends hail like gravel; no one can endure the cold he sends!
18 Then he gives a command, and the ice melts; he sends the wind, and the water flows.
19 He gives his message to his people, his instructions and laws to Israel.
20 He has not done this for other nations; they do not know his laws. Praise the Lord!
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.