God’s power lays bare the world’s foundations, revealing His unstoppable might.
In this poetic declaration, David describes God’s overwhelming power using majestic imagery when he says, “Then the channels of the sea appeared, The foundations of the world were laid bare By the rebuke of the LORD, At the blast of the breath of His nostrils” (v.16). David, who lived between about 1040 BC and 970 BC, was the second king of Israel. He wrote these words in praise to the LORD after being delivered from his enemies, including King Saul (reign approx. 1050-1010 BC). In this verse, the mention of the “channels of the sea” points to a complete unveiling of creation’s depths under the mighty command of God. It conveys the idea that nothing remains hidden before the Creator, who reshapes and reveals the depths of the earth as He sees fit.
The striking phrase “The foundations of the world were laid bare” (v.16) harkens back to the miracles God performed for His people, such as parting water and showing His sovereignty over all creation (as seen in Exodus 14:21-22). Though 2 Samuel does not name a specific sea here, it implies a setting where the deepest parts of the oceans are exposed by the divine breath of the LORD. This vision punctuates the ancient Hebrew understanding that the LORD’s dominion spans from the highest heaven to the lowest sea, and it foreshadows how Jesus would later demonstrate His authority over wind and waves (Mark 4:39).
By using language like “By the rebuke of the LORD, At the blast of the breath of His nostrils” (v.16), David underscores the unstoppable might of God, who can reorder nature in an instant. In the larger context of David’s life, this powerful depiction reminds us that the same God who can shake the foundations of the earth is intimately involved in the personal rescue of His people. This reality provides deep assurance for believers, not only in David’s day but in every generation, as the people of God trust Him for protection and restoration.
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2 Samuel 22:16 meaning
In this poetic declaration, David describes God’s overwhelming power using majestic imagery when he says, “Then the channels of the sea appeared, The foundations of the world were laid bare By the rebuke of the LORD, At the blast of the breath of His nostrils” (v.16). David, who lived between about 1040 BC and 970 BC, was the second king of Israel. He wrote these words in praise to the LORD after being delivered from his enemies, including King Saul (reign approx. 1050-1010 BC). In this verse, the mention of the “channels of the sea” points to a complete unveiling of creation’s depths under the mighty command of God. It conveys the idea that nothing remains hidden before the Creator, who reshapes and reveals the depths of the earth as He sees fit.
The striking phrase “The foundations of the world were laid bare” (v.16) harkens back to the miracles God performed for His people, such as parting water and showing His sovereignty over all creation (as seen in Exodus 14:21-22). Though 2 Samuel does not name a specific sea here, it implies a setting where the deepest parts of the oceans are exposed by the divine breath of the LORD. This vision punctuates the ancient Hebrew understanding that the LORD’s dominion spans from the highest heaven to the lowest sea, and it foreshadows how Jesus would later demonstrate His authority over wind and waves (Mark 4:39).
By using language like “By the rebuke of the LORD, At the blast of the breath of His nostrils” (v.16), David underscores the unstoppable might of God, who can reorder nature in an instant. In the larger context of David’s life, this powerful depiction reminds us that the same God who can shake the foundations of the earth is intimately involved in the personal rescue of His people. This reality provides deep assurance for believers, not only in David’s day but in every generation, as the people of God trust Him for protection and restoration.