King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 22:16 Mean?

2 Samuel 22:16 in the King James Version says “And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And 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.”

2 Samuel 22:16 · KJV

Context

14

The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.

15

And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.

16

And 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.

17

He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters; many: or, great

18

He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.

Read 2 Samuel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And 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.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Song, emphasizing praising God for deliverance. David's psalm of deliverance (parallel to Psalm 18) celebrates God's faithfulness throughout his tumultuous reign. The Hebrew poetry employs vivid imagery of divine intervention, warrior language, and covenant terminology. Theological themes include praising God for deliverance, reviewing God's faithfulness in retrospect, the righteousness of God's judgments, and anticipation of ultimate victory through God's anointed (messianic overtones).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 22 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding praising God for deliverance provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of praising God for deliverance?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיֵּֽרָאוּ֙1 of 11

“appeared”

H7200

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

אֲפִ֣קֵי2 of 11

“And the channels”

H650

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

יָ֔ם3 of 11

“of the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

יִגָּל֖וּ4 of 11

“were discovered”

H1540

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

מֹֽסְד֣וֹת5 of 11

“the foundations”

H4146

a foundation

תֵּבֵ֑ל6 of 11

“of the world”

H8398

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

בְּגַֽעֲרַ֣ת7 of 11

“at the rebuking”

H1606

a chiding

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

מִנִּשְׁמַ֖ת9 of 11

“at the blast”

H5397

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

ר֥וּחַ10 of 11

“of the breath”

H7307

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

אַפּֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“of his nostrils”

H639

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 22:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 22:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nahum 1:4Exodus 15:8-10Habakkuk 3:8-10Psalms 114:3-7Psalms 74:1Psalms 18:15-17

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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