Snow Like Wool

Psalm 147 links the wonders of creation with God’s providence and grace. The previous post focused on the first part of the psalm, especially v 7-9 that urges us to sing our thanksgiving to God for the gift of rain that sustains all living things.

The closing verses of this psalm swing to the opposite season with a sharp reminder of winter – the irresistible onslaught of cold winds, frosted windows, drifting snow and ice-pellets.

He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.
He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast?

He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.
Psalm 147:16-18

Unless you’re itching to hit the ski-slopes, winter is hardly a comforting prospect. In the winter, the cold dictates how we live; its terms are non-negotiable. We can stay inside, but we still have to heat our homes against the frigid temperature.

On the other hand, there may be a touch of warmth subtly hidden in this metaphor of winter snow. Tufts of snow look like tufts of wool, cold to the touch. Peterson paraphrases it as “He spreads snow like a white fleece.” (v.16 MSG) It reminds me of the line in Job where God wraps the newborn sea in swaddling clouds. Appropriate since the insulating properties of snow are extraordinary.

This is where Psalm 147 sees a link between the God of creation and Israel’s Covenant God. The Creator who “determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name” is the very one who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" v.3-4.

It sees God not just as the weather-boss, but as a God who communicates with authority, purpose and hesed - unfailing love:
He gives the command and the snow melts;
he breathes on winter—suddenly it's spring! (v.11)

The harsh winter is followed by the melting of ice under the stirring of God’s breeze and the renewed flow of the waters. Nature's assault of winter and the release of spring are balanced by the unique and personal revelation of God’s word and law to guide Israel so they can know God’s ways. That’s something else worth singing about.

He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel.
He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the LORD.
Psalm 147:19-20

Image Source:
Snow-covered Street - personal archive
Snowdrift - Sean Hattersley - Wikimedia Commons
Icicles - Papatheo