And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

2 SAMUEL 22:16KJV
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2 Samuel 22:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 22:16 mean?

2 Samuel 22:16 describes a moment when God’s power is so great that even the hidden parts of the earth and sea are exposed. The verse pictures God’s rebuke as so forceful that it uncovers the channels of the sea and the very foundations of the world, all by the blast of His breath.

David is the speaker in 2 Samuel 22, singing a song of praise after God delivered him from his enemies. In this verse, David uses vivid, poetic language to show how nothing can remain hidden when God acts. The verse emphasizes God’s overwhelming authority over creation, using the image of the sea and earth being laid bare to express how completely God can intervene.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 22:16

  • channels (אֲפִיקֵי, 'afiqei'): This word refers to riverbeds or channels, especially those usually covered by water. Here, it highlights how God’s power can expose even what is normally unseen beneath the sea.
  • foundations (מוֹסְדוֹת, mosdot): This word means the underlying supports or bases. In this context, it suggests the deepest, most hidden parts of the earth, showing how God’s actions reach to the very core of creation.
  • rebuking (גַּעֲרַת, ga'arat): This word means a forceful command or scolding. The verse pictures God’s rebuke as so strong that it causes dramatic changes in nature.
  • blast (נִשְׁמַת, nishmat) and breath (רוּחַ, ruach) of his nostrils (אַפָּיו, appayv): These words together create a picture of God’s anger or power being released like a mighty wind, emphasizing the personal and active nature of God’s intervention.

Why 2 Samuel 22:16 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that God’s power is limited to the visible world; it shows that even the most hidden places are under His control.
  • The verse connects to the larger song in 2 Samuel 22, where David repeatedly describes God’s deliverance using images of storms, earthquakes, and other natural forces, underlining God’s ability to rescue and judge.
  • The language here draws on imagery found elsewhere in the Bible, such as the parting of the Red Sea, helping readers see a consistent theme of God making a way for His people by overcoming even the greatest obstacles.

Where else these words appear

“foundations” Hebrew H4146 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:8 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.
  • Isaiah 24:18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.
  • Jeremiah 31:37 Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

“rebuking” Hebrew H1606 · used in 14 verses

  • Job 26:11 The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.
  • Psalms 104:7 At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

“channels” Hebrew H650 · used in 19 verses

  • Job 6:15 My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;
  • Psalms 126:4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
  • Ezekiel 34:13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

“blast” Hebrew H5397 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
  • 1 Kings 17:17 And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.
  • Psalms 18:15 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.