Psalms 104

¹ Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

² Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

³ Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

⁴ Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

⁵ [Who] laid the foundations of the earth, [that] it should not be removed for ever.

⁶ Thou coveredst it with the deep as [with] a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.

⁷ At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

⁸ They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.

⁹ Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

¹⁰ He sendeth the springs into the valleys, [which] run among the hills.

¹¹ They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst.

¹² By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, [which] sing among the branches.

¹³ He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

¹⁴ He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

¹⁵ And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man’s heart.

¹⁶ The trees of the LORD are full [of sap]; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;

¹⁷ Where the birds make their nests: [as for] the stork, the fir trees [are] her house.

¹⁸ The high hills [are] a refuge for the wild goats; [and] the rocks for the conies.

¹⁹ He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.

²⁰ Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep [forth].

²¹ The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.

²² The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.

²³ Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.

²⁴ O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

²⁵ [So is] this great and wide sea, wherein [are] things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

²⁶ There go the ships: [there is] that leviathan, [whom] thou hast made to play therein.

²⁷ These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give [them] their meat in due season.

²⁸ [That] thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.

²⁹ Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

³⁰ Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

³¹ The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works.

³² He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.

³³ I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

³⁴ My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.

³⁵ Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.

Overview of Psalm 104

Psalm 104 is a poetic hymn that celebrates the majesty of God as the Creator and sustainer of the universe. It intricately describes the natural world and reflects on the relationship between God, creation, and humanity. The psalm emphasizes the beauty and order of creation, portraying God’s power and wisdom in the design of the world.

Thematic Elements

• The Majesty of God: The psalm opens with a call to praise God, highlighting His greatness and splendor.
• Creation: The psalmist describes various elements of creation, including the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all living beings.
• Sustenance: It emphasizes how God provides for all creatures, showcasing His care and provision.
• Order and Harmony: The psalm illustrates the order in nature, reflecting God’s wisdom in creation.
• Humanity’s Role: The relationship between humanity and nature is addressed, emphasizing stewardship and dependence on God.

Structure of the Psalm

1. Verses 1-4: A call to worship and an introduction to God’s majesty.
2. Verses 5-9: Description of the earth’s foundations and the boundaries set by God.
3. Verses 10-18: The provision of water, vegetation, and habitats for animals.
4. Verses 19-23: The establishment of time and the cycles of day and night.
5. Verses 24-26: The vastness of creation and the presence of sea creatures.
6. Verses 27-30: God’s sustenance of all living things and the renewing of creation.
7. Verses 31-35: A concluding doxology, praising God’s eternal nature and the psalmist’s desire for God’s glory.

Key Verses and Their Significance

• Verse 1: “Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great!”
  • This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing personal worship and acknowledgment of God’s greatness.
• Verse 5: “The Lord established the earth on its foundations, so it will never move.”
  • This verse speaks to the stability and order of creation, asserting God’s sovereignty over the natural world.
• Verse 14: “He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate.”
  • This highlights God’s provision for all creatures, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life.
• Verse 24: “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
  • This verse reflects on the complexity and diversity of creation, attributing it to God’s wisdom.
• Verse 30: “When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.”
  • This emphasizes the role of God’s Spirit in creation and renewal, suggesting a dynamic relationship between God and the world.

Theological Implications

Psalm 104 presents several important theological themes:

• Creation Theology: It affirms the belief that God is the creator of all things and that creation reflects His glory.
• Divine Providence: The psalm illustrates God’s ongoing involvement in creation, sustaining and providing for all living beings.
• Human Responsibility: There is an implicit call for humanity to recognize its role as stewards of God’s creation.
• Worship and Praise: The psalm encourages a posture of worship, inviting readers to respond to God’s greatness with praise.

Conclusion

Psalm 104 serves as a profound reminder of the beauty and complexity of creation and the majesty of the Creator. It invites readers to reflect on their relationship with God and the natural world, emphasizing themes of worship, stewardship, and divine providence. This psalm not only celebrates the wonders of the earth but also calls for a deeper appreciation and reverence for the Creator who sustains all life.