Psalms 148:8

8. Fire, and hail; snow, and vapor It is not clear that “fire” refers exclusively to lightning, which in Palestine “often strikes and causes damage,” (Schwarz,) or that “vapour” means smoke, and not vapory clouds. The writer is noticing the most prominent and fearful accompaniments of a tropical storm, and the phenomena are classed as terrestrial (Psalms 148:7) because the sensible effects are realized by the dwellers on the earth. Hail and snow were the more formidable as the dwellings and clothing of the people generally offered but a frail protection against the cold. See Psalms 147:17.

Stormy wind Another imposing force in nature, indicating the power of God. Tempestuous winds are a common accompaniment of the winter rains.

Fulfilling his word Though in appearance the stormy winds are lawless and capricious, governed according to no fixed order, they are still subject to the immediate will and beneficent purposes of God. To the psalmist all seeming discord is

“ harmony not understood;

All partial evil, universal good.”