God is supreme, and nothing in creation can stand against His authority.
In “Then the channels of water appeared, And the foundations of the world were laid bare At Your rebuke, O LORD, At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils” (v.15), the psalmist vividly highlights God’s immense power by describing how creation itself responds to His command. Waters, which so often serve as barriers or obstacles for humanity, are stripped back, revealing that nothing is hidden from the Lord’s authority. The term “channels of water” brings to mind imagery of the sea floor being exposed, reminiscent of how the Red Sea was parted before the Israelites (Exodus 14:21), emphasizing the Lord’s mastery over nature.
The writer also speaks of “the foundations of the world” being “laid bare,” suggesting that even the very base of existence is open to God’s gaze and dominion. This portrayal underscores the Lord’s sovereign power to unveil and uproot hidden structures when He desires, leaving no place or foundation unexposed. By mentioning “At Your rebuke, O LORD, At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils” (v.15), the psalmist conveys how even the faintest breath from God is enough to shake the earth’s bedrock. This language conveys that His word alone can command both the natural and the spiritual realms (Hebrews 1:3).
In a broader biblical context, this verse also points to the creative and destructive power of God’s spoken command. Just as Jesus calmed the tempest with a word (Mark 4:39), the psalmist here declares that the entire planet trembles under the Lord’s rebuke. Such might and majesty offer a picture of His protection over those who call upon Him, reinforcing the theme that salvation lies in trusting the One who governs every aspect of creation.
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Psalms 18:15 meaning
In “Then the channels of water appeared, And the foundations of the world were laid bare At Your rebuke, O LORD, At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils” (v.15), the psalmist vividly highlights God’s immense power by describing how creation itself responds to His command. Waters, which so often serve as barriers or obstacles for humanity, are stripped back, revealing that nothing is hidden from the Lord’s authority. The term “channels of water” brings to mind imagery of the sea floor being exposed, reminiscent of how the Red Sea was parted before the Israelites (Exodus 14:21), emphasizing the Lord’s mastery over nature.
The writer also speaks of “the foundations of the world” being “laid bare,” suggesting that even the very base of existence is open to God’s gaze and dominion. This portrayal underscores the Lord’s sovereign power to unveil and uproot hidden structures when He desires, leaving no place or foundation unexposed. By mentioning “At Your rebuke, O LORD, At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils” (v.15), the psalmist conveys how even the faintest breath from God is enough to shake the earth’s bedrock. This language conveys that His word alone can command both the natural and the spiritual realms (Hebrews 1:3).
In a broader biblical context, this verse also points to the creative and destructive power of God’s spoken command. Just as Jesus calmed the tempest with a word (Mark 4:39), the psalmist here declares that the entire planet trembles under the Lord’s rebuke. Such might and majesty offer a picture of His protection over those who call upon Him, reinforcing the theme that salvation lies in trusting the One who governs every aspect of creation.