psalm 104 commentary

19:4, Rev. In a small way, we can understand this idea of light as a garment by consider the appearance of Jesus at His transfiguration: His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light (Matthew 17:2). b. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. 3 Be praised in his holy name. “This is the first occurrence of hallelujah in the Psalter, and it is significant that it is joined to a prayer for the destruction of the wicked, just as it is in Revelation 19.” (Boice), (c) 2020 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Psalm 104:1 has two perfects describing God, followed by seven participles describing His actions. Thence they are called seraphim—burners. iv. For the remainder of this article, the Liberty Bible Commentary will be referred to as the LBC. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 104:19-30 We are to praise and magnify God for the constant succession of day and night. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. The introduction to the psalm is a brief call to praise (verse 1a). The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. 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. ‘The trees of the Lord are full,’ or rather, which gives the meaning clearly, ‘The trees of the Lord are satiated – are satisfied – the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted.’” (Spurgeon), iv. Psalm 104 King James Version (KJV). So impressed with the glory and wonder and beauty of creation was the singer, that he positively called upon God to rejoice in what He had wrought.” (Morgan), ii. What art thou thinking of? Bless the L ord, O my soul. Gen. 1:26-27). Psalm 104 Commentary. So he did at first, when he made the firmament, which in the Hebrew has its name from its being expanded, or stretched out, Gen. 1:7 . The psalmist concludes this meditation with speaking,I. Verses 1-9 are about God creating (making) the earth and the sky. That is the deepest meaning of Creation. This is a wonderful way for God’s people to think of His provision. The full and change, the increase and decrease, of the moon, exactly observe the appointment of the Creator; so does the sun, for he keeps as punctually to the time and place of his going down as if he were an intellectual being and knew what he did. O LORD my God, You are very great: He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters: The God of all creation can build and do what no one else can. Praise to the Sovereign Lord for His Creation and Providence - Bless the Lord, O my soul! i. Psalms 104:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul. Psalms 104:27-28 Psalms 104:27-28 [27] These wait all on you; that you may give them their meat in due season. He has built the earth upon her basis, so that though it has received a dangerous shock by the sin of man, and the malice of hell strikes at it, yet it shall not be removed for ever, that is, not till the end of time, when it must give way to the new earth. Psalms 104:31-32 NASB Let the glory of the LORD endure forever; Let the LORD be glad in His works; 32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. That they may not return to cover the earth. b. He has founded the earth, v. 5. “Indeed, the process at the creation was so exactly similar to that at the deluge, with regards to the circumstances here mentioned, that it matters not to which we apply the beautiful and truly poetical passage before us.” (Horne). The smaller sort of beasts (v. 18): The wild goats, having neither strength nor swiftness to secure themselves, are guided by instinct to the high hills, which are a refuge to them; and the rabbits, which are also helpless animals, find shelter in the rocks, where they can set the beasts of prey at defiance. 1:7 ) to prove the pre-eminence of Christ above the angels. The main subject of the psalm is the order of the world and the sovereignty of the God who created and maintains it. Every creature has as necessary a dependence upon God’s favours as every saint is sensible he has and therefore says with David (Ps. May the LORD rejoice in His works: The psalmist also wanted God to find pleasure in what He had created. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. To men God has given discretion to build for themselves and for the cattle that are serviceable to them; but there are some creatures which God more immediately provides a settlement for. As a great God, and a God of matchless perfection: The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever, v. 31. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. The food which God brings forth out of the earth (v. 14) is the fruit of his works, which the earth is satisfied with. It is very probable that this psalm was penned by the same hand, and at the same time, as the former; for as that ended this begins, with "Bless the Lord, O my soul!’’ and concludes with it too. (19-30) A resolution to continue praising God. In their coaches of state, with their stately horses, which add much to the magnificence of their entries; but God makes the clouds his chariots, in which he rides strongly, swiftly, and far above out of the reach of opposition, when at any time he will act by uncommon providences in the government of this world. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Princes appear great, 1. The 104th Psalm has long been known as the "Creation Psalm." The rejection of God as Creator has had deep and terrible effects upon the hearts and minds of the modern world. American King James Version × shows that all the creatures mentioned thus far (some formed as late as the sixth day of creation week) are utterly reliant on God for their existence and sustenance. The Divine Majesty. 2. Announce his works among the nations. Here is bread, which strengthens man’s heart, and is therefore called the staff of life; let none who have that complain of want. Gen. 1:26-27). " “As for Leviathan, a name which can have a sinister ring (see on 74:13-15), he makes his appearance simply as some large and sportive creature, whose very existence glorifies and delights its Maker.” (Kidner). At first the earth, which, being the more ponderous body, would subside of course, was covered with the deep (v. 6): The waters were above the mountains; and so it was unfit to be, as it was designed, a habitation for man; and therefore, on the third day, God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered to one place, and let the dry land appear, Gen. 1:9 . The God of all creation is worthy of our life-long praise. 26:7), ponderibus librata suis—balanced by its own weight, yet it is as immovable as if it had been laid upon the surest foundations. 1. To the place which You founded for them. i. And the wicked be no more. That ought to be reckoned a great mercy the want of which would be a great affliction; and the more common it is the greater mercy it is. Let the obsequiousness even of the unstable waters teach us obedience to the word and will of God; for shall man alone of all the creatures be obstinate? The earth’s foundations are solid and will not be moved until God Himself moves them. “A traveler tells us that in the wood bark, and even the cones of the cedar there is an abundance of resin. For the constant revolutions and succession of day and night, and the dominion of sun and moon over them. Audio Commentary: Psalm 104 Psalm 104 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul. Psalm 104 God the Creator and Provider. The grandeur of the prince is the pride and pleasure of all his good subjects. Some birds, by instinct, make their nests in the bushes near rivers (v. 12): By the springs that run among the hills some of the fowls of heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. Its focus is on the greatness and goodness of God as displayed in creation. With his “soul” or his entire being, the psalmist determined to “bless,” speak well of, or … Psalm 110 - Davis, Barry C. “Is Psalm 110 A Messianic Psalm?” 38:8 , etc.) There the ships sail about; c. I will be glad in the LORD: We again sense a note of determination. They are the trees of the LORD in the sense that no human hand planted them; He planted these mighty trees. the waters saw thee; they were afraid. He causes grass to grow for the cattle: The psalmist continued his thoughts on nature, seeing how God provides grass for animals and vegetation for the service of man. I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. The heathen were so affected with the light and influence of the sun and moon, and their serviceableness to the earth, that they worshipped them as deities; and therefore the scripture takes all occasions to show that the gods they worshipped are the creatures and servants of the true God (. They went down into the valleys, 11:11, Deu. To be created denotes to be created anew, that is, to be regenerated. In other words, he takes care of everything. The whale is particularly mentioned in the history of the creation (Gen. 1:21 ) and is here called the leviathan, as Job. This, if duly considered, would keep the world in awe of the Lord and his goodness, That the waters of the sea would soon cover the earth if God did not restrain them. No; it was for the salvation of his people, Hab. The Septuagint and Vulgate call it dragon. Naturalists dispute about the origin of fountains; but, whatever are their second causes, here is their first cause; it is God that sends the springs into the brooks, which walk by easy steps between the hills, and receive increase from the rain-water that descends from them. The beasts of prey creep forth with fear; man goes forth with boldness, as one that has dominion. All abuse and waste of God’s creatures are spoil and robbery on the property of the Creator.” (Clarke). Show content in: Both English Hebrew. b. Let their retiring to and resting in the place assigned them teach us to acquiesce in the disposals of that wise providence which appoints us the bounds of our habitation. Commentary on Psalms 104 by Matthew Henry Psalm 104 It is very probable that this psalm was penned by the same hand, and at the same time, as the former; for as that ended this begins, with "Bless the Lord, O my soul!' Commentary on Psalm 104:1-9 (Read Psalm 104:1-9) Every object we behold calls on us to bless and praise the Lord, who is great. The young lions roar after their prey, Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. God herein consults the comfort of man. The regions of the air are stretched out about the earth, like a curtain about a bed, to keep it warm, and drawn between us and the upper world, to break its dazzling light; for, though God covers himself with light, yet, in compassion to us, he makes darkness his pavilion. and shall he not much more interpret favourably the language of grace in his own people, though it be weak and broken, groanings which cannot be uttered? What You give them they gather in: God feeds the animals, but does not from heaven pour food into their mouths. 2:21 . “The metaphor of his taking up its parts and powers as his robe, tent, palace and chariot invites us to see the world as something he delights in, which is charged with his energy and alive with his presence.” (Kidner), ii. They sing among the branches: “If these little choristers of the air, when refreshed by the streams near which they dwell, express their gratitude by chanting, in their way, the praises of their Maker and Preserver, how ought Christians to blush, who, besides the comforts and conveniences of this world, are so indulged with copious draughts of the water of eternal life, if, for so great blessings, they pay not their tribute of thanksgiving, and sing not unto the Lord the songs of Sion!” (Horne). AC 10570. b. You are very great: The psalmist worshipped Yahweh as his God, and as the great One who is clothed with honor and majesty. "Praise" The heathen were so affected with the light and influence of the sun and moon, and their serviceableness to the earth, that they worshipped them as deities; and therefore the scripture takes all occasions to show that the gods they worshipped are the creatures and servants of the true God (v. 19): He appointed the moon for seasons, for the measuring of the months, the directing of the seasons for the business of the husbandman, and the governing of the tides. Next » Chapter 105. Once they did, in Noah’s flood, because God bade them, but never since, because he forbids them, having promised not to drown the world again. Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire: God also rules over the angels, equipping and commissioning them as it pleases Him. b. These all wait for You, that You may give them their food: The psalmist considered all kinds of created things from the land, sea, and air. In which are innumerable teeming things, It is a pity that any of the children of men, who have nobler powers and were made for nobler purposes, should live as if they were sent into the world, like leviathan into the waters, to play therein, spending all their time in pastime. 2 The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent. The high hills are for the wild goats; Bless the LORD, O my soul. 8, , which speaks of this but prophetically, and with an eye to Christ. We often do that which, upon the review, we cannot rejoice in, but are displeased at, and wish undone again, blaming our own management. Bless the LORD, O my soul! Many great things the psalmist here gives God the glory of I. May the glory of the LORD endure forever: As the psalmist considered the power and wisdom of God in all creation, it made him long for His glory to endure forever. The Septuagint links this psalm to David, but the Masoretic Text makes no mention of the name. (2.) PSALM 104 * Praise of God the Creator I. Psalm 104. No entry exists in Forerunner Commentary for Psalms 104:1. “This Psalm has no title either in the Hebrew or Chaldee; but it is attributed to David by the Vulgate, Septuagint, Ethiopic, Arabic, and Syriac.” (Adam Clarke), “The Psalm gives an interpretation to the many voices of nature, and sings sweetly both of creation and providence. For the seasonable and plentiful provision which is made for all the creatures, v. 27, v. 28. 1 My soul, bless the Lord. 3. 104. Joy to himself (v. 34): My meditation of him shall be sweet; it shall be fixed and close; it shall be affecting and influencing; and therefore it shall be sweet. 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 […] This is all that any of us should expect; if even the brute creatures are content with a sufficiency we ought not to be more greedy than they.” (Spurgeon). i. Being spirits, they are so much the further removed from the encumbrances of the human nature and so much the nearer allied to the glories of the divine nature. To make us thankful let us consider, [1.] You can check these in your browser security settings. a. I will sing to the LORD as long as I live: This remarkable psalm has little or no focus on God as redeemer and savior. iii. i. He brought it within bounds in the creation. First, Does nature call for something to support it, and repair its daily decays? PSA 104: A survey of the days of creation, with numerous allusions to Isa 6. i. PSALM 104 COMME TARY EDITED BY GLE PEASE I TRODUCTIO SPURGEO , "GE ERAL, REMARKS. God is seen in his works, and these proclaim him infinitely wise and good, and all that is great. His provision is all around us, and we simply need the wisdom and effort to gather it in. God is a bountiful benefactor to them: He gives them their meat; he opens his hand and they are filled with good. 2. Man’s glory is fading; God’s glory is everlasting. The vastness of this pavilion may lead us to consider how great, how very great, he is that fills heaven and earth. He continues that complacency in the products of his own wisdom and goodness which he had when he saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good, and rested the seventh day. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. d. May sinners be consumed from the earth: This seems a strange and solemn declaration in this psalm. [28] That you give them they gather: you open your hand, they are filled with good. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. 30:7 ), Thou didst hide thy face and I was troubled. Verses 1-9 are about God creating (making) the earth and the sky. Psalm 104. This subject in turn instills confidence that God can and will order the … Continue reading "Commentary on Psalm 104:24-34, 35b" Psalm 104 1 Praise the LORD, O my soul. Though air and water are fluid bodies, yet, by the divine power, they are kept as tight and as firm in the place assigned them as a chamber is with beams and rafters. Leviathan: “This may mean the whale, or any of the large marine animals. a. He provides food convenient for them, both for man and beast: The heavens drop fatness; they hear the earth, but God hears them, Hos. He provides, but they must gather in. 1 of 1. Describe all his wonders. You are clothed with majesty and splendor, 2 robed in light as with a cloak. “This is perhaps the highest and most daring note in all this wonderful song of praise. i. His eternal power and Godhead are clearly shown by the things which he hath made. What we choose to set our mind on is a measure of what we truly value. The cattle that are of use to man are particularly taken care of; grass is made to grow in great abundance for them, when the young lions, that are not for the service of man, often lack and suffer hunger. Bless the L ord, O my soul. The light of the morning befriends the business of the day (v. 22, v. 23): The sun arises (for, as he knows his going down, so, thanks be to God, he knows his rising again), and then the wild beasts betake themselves to their rest; even they have some society among them, for they gather themselves together and lay down in their dens, which is a great mercy to the children of men, that while they are abroad, as becomes honest travellers, between sun and sun, care is taken that they shall not be set upon by wild beasts, for they are then drawn out of the field, and the sluggard shall have no ground to excuse himself from the business of the day with this, That there is a lion in the way. As a great God, and a God of matchless perfection: Compiled & Edited by BST & Crosswalk Staff, Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 1:5 ), the Father of lights (Jam. We will not be far wrong if we think of Psalm 104 as a poetic reflection on the more factual account in Genesis.” (Boice), ii. 6 The deeps covered it like a … 1 Kings 17:19; 2 Kings 4:10), represent God’s involvement with and separation from his world (Amos 9:6).” (VanGemeren). i. and concludes with it too. Were it only for what he has already done, the Lord deserves to be praised without ceasing.” (Spurgeon). The psalm’s list of these diverse aspects of creation extols God’s greatness, with particular attention to God’s control of and power over that creation. III. He looks on the earth, and it trembles; 1. 19:6 . This implies that His creatures that are gifted with rational choice (such as humanity) should deliberately choose to give God reasons to rejoice in His works. This confirms the deity of Jesus the Messiah, because the angels belong to Him – they are His angels and His ministers. May sinners be consumed from the earth, “The verse sums up the whole of the creative act in one grand thought. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. iii. c. The trees of the LORD are full of sap: The psalmist had a vision of how healthy and vigorous nature is. Verses 19-30 We are here taught to praise and magnify God,I. They are patient expectants from him: They all wait upon him. He descended in a cloud, as in a chariot, to Mount Sinai, to give the law, and to Mount Tabor, to proclaim the gospel (Mt. “The psalmist is not vindictive in his prayer against the wicked but longs for a world fully established and maintained by the Lord, without outside interference.” (VanGemeren). “The last words ever written by Henry Martyn, dying among Mohammedans in Persia, was: I sat in the orchard and thought with sweet comfort and peace of my God, in solitude my company, my Friend and Comforter.” (Spurgeon). Those that heartily desire to praise God themselves cannot but have a holy indignation at those that blaspheme and dishonour him, and a holy satisfaction in the prospect of their destruction and the honour that God will get to himself upon them. Psalm 104: A truly joyful hymn of praise to the Creator, this hymn (along with Job chapter 38 and 39; Psalms 8 and 29), forms a divine poetic commentary on the Creation. It is a pity that that should be abused to overcharge the heart, and unfit men for their duty, which was given to revive their heart and quicken them in their duty. When the New-Testament Babylon is consumed, this is the burden of the song, Hallelujah, Rev. Verses 1-9 When we are addressing ourselves to any religious service we must stir up ourselves to take hold on God in it (Isa. When MAN labours, THEY rest; when MAN rests, THEY labour.” (Clarke). 65:9 ), as Canaan was, Deu. d. The stork has her home: The birds have their nests, but the other animals have their homes also, including the stork, the wild goats, and the rock badgers. We may observe here, concerning our food, that which will help to make us both humble and thankful. He provides fresh water for their drink: He sends the springs into the valleys, v. 10.

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