◄ 2 Samuel 22:16 ►
The channels of the sea appeared, and the foundations of the world were exposed at the rebuke of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of His nostrils.
Study Bible
The channels of the sea appeared
This phrase evokes a powerful image of divine intervention where the hidden depths of the sea are laid bare. In Hebrew, the word for "channels" (נִבְכֵי, nivkei) suggests deep paths or courses, often unseen and mysterious. This imagery recalls the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus, where God made a way through the waters for the Israelites. It signifies God's sovereign control over creation, revealing what is hidden and demonstrating His power to alter the natural order for His purposes.

The foundations of the world were exposed
Here, the "foundations" (מוֹסְדוֹת, mosdot) refer to the very underpinnings of the earth, suggesting stability and permanence. The exposure of these foundations symbolizes a dramatic upheaval, a divine revelation of what is usually secure and unshakeable. This phrase underscores God's authority over the entire cosmos, capable of shaking the very ground upon which creation stands. It is a reminder of the ultimate power of God, who can reveal and alter the very fabric of the world.

At the rebuke of the LORD
The "rebuke" (גַּעֲרַת, ga'arat) of the LORD is a powerful expression of divine displeasure and authority. In biblical terms, a rebuke from God is not merely a verbal reprimand but an active force that can bring about change and judgment. This word conveys the idea that God's spoken word is sufficient to command the elements and alter the course of nature. It highlights the authority of God's voice, which can both create and dismantle, bless and curse.

At the blast of the breath of His nostrils
The "blast" (נִשְׁמַת, nishmat) of God's breath is a vivid metaphor for His life-giving and life-taking power. In Hebrew, "breath" (רוּחַ, ruach) often signifies spirit or wind, indicating a force that is both gentle and overwhelming. The imagery of God's breath coming from His nostrils suggests a fierce and unstoppable force, reminiscent of a storm or a powerful wind. This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and potency of God's actions, where even the breath of His nostrils can cause the earth to tremble and reveal its hidden depths.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this song of praise, David is reflecting on God's deliverance and power. This chapter is a song of thanksgiving for God's intervention in his life.

2. The LORD
The central figure in this verse, whose power and majesty are described through the imagery of nature's upheaval.

3. The Sea
Represents chaos and danger in ancient Near Eastern thought, yet here it is controlled and revealed by God's command.

4. Foundations of the World
Symbolizes the very structure of creation, which is laid bare by God's mighty power.

5. Rebuke of the LORD
Indicates God's authority and power to command and control creation, demonstrating His sovereignty.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Creation
God's power is unmatched, and He controls the very elements of the earth. This should lead us to trust in His ability to handle the chaos in our lives.

The Power of God's Word
Just as God rebukes the sea and exposes the foundations of the world, His Word has the power to transform and reveal truth in our lives.

Reverence for God's Majesty
Recognizing God's authority should lead us to worship and revere Him, acknowledging His greatness and our dependence on Him.

God's Deliverance
Just as God delivered David, He is able to deliver us from our trials. We should seek His intervention and trust in His timing.

The Breath of God
The imagery of God's breath signifies life and power. We should seek the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives to empower and guide us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's control over creation impact your view of His ability to handle your personal challenges?

2. In what ways can you see God's "rebuke" or correction in your life, and how should you respond to it?

3. How does the imagery of the sea and the foundations of the world being exposed enhance your understanding of God's power?

4. What parallels can you draw between David's experiences of deliverance and your own life situations?

5. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God's majesty in your daily worship and prayer life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1
The creation account where God speaks the world into existence, showing His power over the natural order.

Exodus 14
The parting of the Red Sea, where God demonstrates His control over the waters to deliver His people.

Psalm 18
A parallel passage to 2 Samuel 22, where David also praises God for His deliverance and power.

Job 38
God's discourse on His creation, emphasizing His control over the natural world and its elements.

Revelation 4
The vision of God's throne, where His majesty and authority over creation are celebrated.
Sermons
Abundant Cause for ThanksgivingChristian Endeavour Times2 Samuel 22:1-51
David's Song of PraiseB. Dale 2 Samuel 22:1-51
Psalm SingingA. Whyte, D. D.2 Samuel 22:1-51
The Song of ThanksgivingW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 22:1-51
People
David, Saul
Places
Gath
Topics
Anger, Appeared, Bare, Bases, Beds, Blast, Breath, Channels, Deep, Discovered, Exposed, Foundations, Laid, Lord's, Mouth, Nostrils, Open, Rebuke, Rebuking, Revealed, Spirit, Streams, Uncovered, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 22:16

     1255   face of God
     4203   earth, the
     4266   sea
     4804   breath
     5171   nose
     5317   foundation

2 Samuel 22:2-51

     8609   prayer, as praise and thanksgiving

2 Samuel 22:8-16

     1045   God, glory of

Library
David's Hymn of victory
'For Thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that, rose up against me hast Thou subdued under me. 41. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. 42. They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the Lord, but He answered them not. 43. Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad. 44. Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, Thou hast …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Mosaic Cosmogony.
ON the revival of science in the 16th century, some of the earliest conclusions at which philosophers arrived were found to be at variance with popular and long-established belief. The Ptolemaic system of astronomy, which had then full possession of the minds of men, contemplated the whole visible universe from the earth as the immovable centre of things. Copernicus changed the point of view, and placing the beholder in the sun, at once reduced the earth to an inconspicuous globule, a merely subordinate …
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

In the Present Crusade against the Bible and the Faith of Christian Men...
IN the present crusade against the Bible and the Faith of Christian men, the task of destroying confidence in the first chapter of Genesis has been undertaken by Mr. C. W. Goodwin, M.A. He requires us to "regard it as the speculation of some Hebrew Descartes or Newton, promulgated in all good faith as the best and most probable account that could be then given of God's Universe." (p. 252.) Mr. Goodwin remarks with scorn, that "we are asked to believe that a vision of Creation was presented to him …
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher, …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Ark among the Flags
'And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 5. And the daughter of Pharaoh came …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Prophetic Office
'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet,' &c. Deut 18:85. Having spoken of the person of Christ, we are next to speak of the offices of Christ. These are Prophetic, Priestly, and Regal. 'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet.' Enunciatur hic locus de Christo. It is spoken of Christ.' There are several names given to Christ as a Prophet. He is called the Counsellor' in Isa 9:9. In uno Christo Angelus foederis completur [The Messenger of the Covenant appears in Christ alone]. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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