King James Version
What Does Psalms 18:15 Mean?
“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.”
Context
13
The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
14
Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
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.
16
He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. many: or, great
17
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(15) **The channels.**—The description of the storm ends with the fury of the wind and the effects of the tempest on the earth’s surface. Comp. Psalms 29, and Milton:—
“Either tropic now
‘Gan thunder and both ends of heaven the clouds,
From many a horrid rift abortive pour’d
Fierce rain with lightning mix’d, water with fire,
In ruin reconciled; nor slept the winds
Within their stony caves, but rush’d abroad
From the four hinges of the world and fell
On the vex’d wilderness.”
—Par. Reg. iv. 409416.
Here, to suit the poet’s purpose (see next verse), the rage of the tempest is made to spend itself on the water-floods. The “channels” are either torrent beds (Isaiah 8:7; Psalm 42:1; Job 6:15), or as in Samuel (where for “waters” the text has “sea”) the depths of ocean. (Comp. Jonah 2:5.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 18:15 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 Psalms 18:15
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge