Psalm 18:15

ESV Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
NIV The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, Lord, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
NASB Then the channels of water appeared, And the foundations of the world were exposed By Your rebuke, Lord, At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.
CSB The depths of the sea became visible, the foundations of the world were exposed, at your rebuke, Lord, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
NLT Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare.
KJV 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.
NKJV Then the channels of the sea were seen, The foundations of the world were uncovered At Your rebuke, O Lord, At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.

What does Psalm 18:15 mean?

In this passage, David has used dramatic metaphors to explain the awesome power of God (Psalm 18:7–14). This is part of David's song of praise, thanking the Lord for victory over David's enemies (2 Samuel 22:1).

The imagery given here implies God's rebuke. His breath can blast the waters of sea apart to the point that the sea floor is exposed. This connects to the description of Israel's miraculous rescue at the Red Sea, where God exposed the land, allowing the people to walk across (Exodus 14:15, 22). That was accomplished, in part, by a blast of wind (Exodus 14:21).

Psalm 29 indicates that God's voice breaks the strong cedars of Lebanon, causes Lebanon to skip like a calf, shakes the wilderness, and strips the forests bare. This description agrees with David's description of the powerful changes to sea and land that occur at the Lord's rebuke and at the blast of His nostrils. Heaven and earth serve God's purposes, and He has complete authority and control over them.

The judgments described in Revelation include those that involve the Lord's use of the sea, rivers, springs, wind, crops, sun, and moon, as the Lord releases His wrath on the wicked (Revelation 6).
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