Bible Commentaries
Psalms 104

Introduction

Overview

Psalms 104:1, A meditation upon the mighty power, Psalms 104:7, and wonderful providence of God; Psalms 104:31, God’s glory is eternal; Psalms 104:33, The prophet vows perpetually to praise God.

Verse 1

Bless: This sublime poem on the works of God in creation and providence, is ascribed to David in the LXX, Vulgate, Ethiopic, Syriac, and Arabic; and as it opens and closes with the same words as the preceding psalm, it is probable that it was composed on the same occasion; and it is written as part of it in nine manuscripts Psalms 104:35, Psalms 103:1, Psalms 103:2, Psalms 103:22

O Lord: Psalms 7:1, Daniel 9:4, Habakkuk 1:12

art very great: Psalms 145:3, Jeremiah 23:24, Jeremiah 32:17-19, Revelation 1:13-20

clothed: Psalms 93:1, Isaiah 59:17, Daniel 7:9

honour: Psalms 29:1-4, Psalms 96:6

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 29:11 - majesty Job 37:22 - with Job 39:19 - clothed Job 40:10 - Deck Psalms 45:3 - glory Psalms 62:5 - soul Psalms 96:2 - bless Psalms 132:9 - thy priests Psalms 145:5 - will speak Psalms 146:1 - Praise the Lord Daniel 4:30 - and for Mark 9:3 - his raiment Hebrews 8:1 - the Majesty

Verse 2

with light: Daniel 7:9, Matthew 17:2, 1 Timothy 6:16, 1 John 1:5

stretchest: Isaiah 40:22, Isaiah 45:12, Zechariah 12:1, Hebrews 1:10-12

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:3 - Let Genesis 1:6 - Let there Genesis 2:1 - Thus Genesis 3:18 - herb Exodus 20:21 - thick Job 9:8 - Which Job 26:7 - General Job 37:16 - the balancings Job 37:18 - spread Job 38:14 - as a Job 40:10 - Deck Psalms 93:1 - he is Psalms 136:6 - General Psalms 145:5 - will speak Proverbs 30:4 - who hath gathered Isaiah 40:12 - measured Isaiah 42:5 - he that created Isaiah 44:24 - I am Isaiah 51:13 - that hath Jeremiah 10:12 - stretched Jeremiah 51:15 - and hath Daniel 2:22 - and the Habakkuk 3:4 - brightness Mark 9:3 - his raiment Acts 9:3 - a light 1 John 1:7 - as

Verse 3

Who layeth: Psalms 18:10, Psalms 18:11, Amos 9:6

maketh: Isaiah 19:1, Matthew 26:64, Revelation 1:7

walketh: Psalms 18:10, Psalms 139:9, 2 Samuel 22:11, Nahum 1:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:9 - General Deuteronomy 33:26 - rideth 2 Samuel 22:10 - darkness 2 Kings 2:11 - General 2 Kings 6:17 - full of horses Job 9:8 - Which Job 9:9 - General Job 30:22 - to ride Job 36:29 - the spreadings Job 37:9 - south Job 37:16 - the balancings Psalms 29:3 - many waters Psalms 65:11 - thy paths Psalms 68:4 - rideth Psalms 68:33 - rideth Psalms 104:13 - his chambers Psalms 136:6 - General Psalms 148:4 - waters Isaiah 40:12 - measured Ezekiel 1:4 - a great Daniel 7:9 - and his wheels Habakkuk 3:8 - ride Zechariah 6:5 - These Matthew 14:25 - walking Mark 6:48 - he cometh Revelation 10:1 - clothed

Verse 4

Who maketh: Acts 23:8, Hebrews 1:7, Hebrews 1:14

ministers: 2 Kings 2:11, 2 Kings 6:17, Ezekiel 1:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 3:24 - Cherubims Exodus 37:7 - General Job 4:15 - a spirit Job 4:18 - he put Job 38:7 - the sons Psalms 103:21 - ministers Isaiah 6:2 - seraphims Ezekiel 1:4 - a great Ezekiel 1:7 - the colour Daniel 7:9 - and his wheels Daniel 9:21 - to fly Zechariah 6:5 - These Matthew 28:3 - countenance 2 Peter 2:11 - angels

Verse 5

Who laid the foundations of the earth: Heb. He hath founded the earth upon her bases, Psalms 24:2, Psalms 33:9, Psalms 136:6, Job 26:7, Job 38:4-7

that it: Psalms 93:1, Psalms 96:10, Ecclesiastes 1:4, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 6:14, Revelation 20:11

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:9 - General 1 Samuel 2:8 - the pillars Job 36:30 - and Job 38:6 - Whereupon Psalms 18:15 - foundations Psalms 66:6 - He turned Psalms 78:69 - earth Psalms 119:90 - thou hast Micah 6:2 - foundations Romans 1:20 - from the

Verse 6

Genesis 1:2-10, Genesis 7:19, 2 Peter 3:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 7:20 - and the mountains Job 26:10 - compassed Job 38:14 - as a Psalms 24:2 - For Psalms 29:10 - sitteth Psalms 33:7 - He gathereth Psalms 65:7 - noise Ecclesiastes 1:7 - the rivers run Jonah 2:6 - mountains Matthew 8:26 - and rebuked Luke 8:24 - he arose

Verse 7

At thy: Genesis 8:1, Proverbs 8:28, Mark 4:39

they fled: Psalms 114:3-7

Reciprocal: Job 12:15 - he sendeth Job 36:29 - the noise Job 37:2 - the noise Psalms 18:13 - thundered Psalms 76:6 - At thy Jeremiah 51:16 - he uttereth Nahum 1:4 - rebuketh

Verse 8

They go up: etc. or, The mountains ascend, the valleys descend, Genesis 8:5

Reciprocal: Proverbs 3:20 - the depths Jonah 2:6 - mountains

Verse 9

hast set: Psalms 33:7, Genesis 9:11-15, Job 26:10, Job 38:10, Job 38:11, Isaiah 54:9, Jeremiah 5:22

Reciprocal: Job 14:5 - thou hast Job 38:8 - who Psalms 76:10 - remainder Proverbs 3:20 - the depths Proverbs 8:29 - he gave

Verse 10

He sendeth: Heb. Who sendeth, Psalms 107:35, The waters of the sea are not only prevented from destroying the earth, but, by the providence of God, are rendered the means of preserving every living thing; partly ascending from the great deep through the strata of the earth, partly exhaled in vapour from the surface of the ocean, and thence falling in rain, especially on the tops and sides of mountains, they break forth into fresh springs, and form streams and rivers. Deuteronomy 8:7, Isaiah 35:7, Isaiah 41:18

run: Heb. walk

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:7 - above Deuteronomy 11:11 - General Job 38:26 - on the wilderness Psalms 65:12 - drop

Verse 11

They give: Psalms 145:16

the wild: Job 39:5-8

quench: Heb. break

Reciprocal: Joel 2:22 - afraid Matthew 6:26 - the fowls Hebrews 6:7 - the earth

Verse 12

the fowls: Psalms 104:16, Psalms 104:17, Psalms 50:11, Psalms 84:3, Psalms 148:10, Matthew 6:26

sing: Heb. give a voice, Psalms 147:9

Verse 13

watereth: Psalms 147:8, Deuteronomy 11:11, Job 38:25-28, Job 38:37, Jeremiah 10:13, Jeremiah 14:22, Matthew 5:45, Acts 14:17

his chambers: Psalms 104:3, Amos 9:6

the earth: Psalms 65:9-13

Reciprocal: Leviticus 26:4 - Then I Job 9:9 - General Job 36:31 - he giveth Psalms 119:64 - earth Isaiah 30:23 - shall he Zechariah 10:1 - and give

Verse 14

causeth: Psalms 145:15, Psalms 145:16, Psalms 147:8, Psalms 147:9, Genesis 1:11, Genesis 1:12, Genesis 1:29, Genesis 2:5, 1 Kings 18:5, Jeremiah 14:5, Jeremiah 14:6, Joel 2:22

herb: Genesis 1:29, Genesis 2:9, Genesis 3:18, Genesis 9:3

that he: Psalms 136:25, Genesis 4:12, Job 28:5, 1 Corinthians 3:7

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:30 - General Deuteronomy 11:15 - And I will Ruth 1:6 - in giving Job 6:5 - when he hath grass Job 40:15 - he Job 40:20 - where Psalms 36:6 - thou Psalms 50:10 - cattle Psalms 65:9 - visitest Proverbs 27:25 - hay Ecclesiastes 5:9 - the profit Isaiah 30:23 - shall he Jonah 4:11 - and also 1 Corinthians 15:38 - General

Verse 15

wine: Psalms 23:5, Judges 9:13, Proverbs 31:6, Ecclesiastes 10:19, Jeremiah 31:12, Zechariah 9:15-17, Mark 14:23, Ephesians 5:18

oil to make his: etc. Heb. to make his face shine with oil, or, more than oil. Psalms 92:10, Deuteronomy 28:40, Judges 9:9, Ecclesiastes 8:1, Ecclesiastes 9:7, Song of Solomon 1:2-4, Hebrews 1:9, 1 John 2:20

bread: Psalms 105:16, Leviticus 26:26, Deuteronomy 8:3, Isaiah 3:1, Ezekiel 4:16, Ezekiel 5:16, Ezekiel 14:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:29 - to you Genesis 3:18 - herb Genesis 9:3 - even Genesis 18:5 - comfort Genesis 27:28 - plenty Judges 19:5 - Comfort Judges 19:6 - let thine heart Ruth 1:6 - in giving Ruth 3:3 - anoint thee Ruth 3:7 - his heart 2 Samuel 13:28 - heart is merry 2 Samuel 14:2 - mourning Job 28:5 - out of it Psalms 65:9 - thou preparest Proverbs 27:9 - Ointment Ecclesiastes 5:9 - the profit Isaiah 61:3 - the oil Zechariah 10:7 - and their Matthew 26:29 - I will Mark 14:25 - I will Luke 7:46 - General Luke 22:18 - the fruit John 2:3 - they wanted John 2:10 - but 1 Timothy 5:23 - General

Verse 16

Psalms 29:5, Psalms 92:2, Numbers 24:6, Ezekiel 17:23

Reciprocal: Judges 9:15 - the cedars Psalms 80:10 - goodly cedars Psalms 92:12 - cedar Psalms 104:12 - the fowls Ezekiel 27:5 - cedars

Verse 17

the birds: Psalms 104:12, Jeremiah 22:23, Ezekiel 31:6, Daniel 4:21, Obadiah 1:4, Matthew 13:32

as for: Leviticus 11:19, Jeremiah 8:7

the stork: The stork is a species of the ardea or heron genus, about the size of a goose in its body, but when erect, about three or four feet high; its general colour is white; extremity of the wings, and small part of the head, black; legs, very long, red, and naked a great way up; the toes four, long and connected, with flat nails like those of a man; beak long, jagged, red, and somewhat compressed; the upper and under chaps both of a length, with a furrow from the nostrils. It feeds on serpents, frogs, and insects, on which account it might be deemed unclean; lays four eggs, and sits thirty days; migrates about August, and returns in spring; and is remarkable for its love to its parents, whom it never forsakes, but feeds and cherishes when old; whence it had the name chaseedah, which denotes kindness or piety, and stork, from the Greek ףפןסדח, natural affection.

Reciprocal: Job 39:13 - wings and feathers unto the Matthew 8:20 - and

Verse 18

the wild goats: The yaal, is the ibex, or rock goat, so called from alah, to ascend, because it is famous for mounting to the tops of the highest rocks. Its general appearance is that of the tame goat, of a dusky brown colour; but the male is larger, with long horns, bending backwards. 1 Samuel 24:2, Job 39:1

the conies: Deuteronomy 14:7, Proverbs 30:26

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:24 - Let Leviticus 11:5 - the coney

Verse 19

Psalms 8:3, Psalms 136:7-9, Genesis 1:14-18, Deuteronomy 4:19, Job 31:26-28, Job 38:12, Jeremiah 31:35

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 33:14 - moon Psalms 89:37 - ever Ecclesiastes 1:5 - sun Jeremiah 33:20 - General Jeremiah 33:25 - and if

Verse 20

makest: Psalms 74:16, Psalms 139:10-12, Genesis 1:4, Genesis 1:5, Genesis 8:22, Isaiah 45:7, Amos 1:13

of the forest do creep forth: Heb. thereof do trample on the forest

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:14 - Let there Genesis 1:26 - have dominion Genesis 9:2 - General Job 38:19 - darkness Psalms 65:8 - outgoings Jeremiah 5:6 - and a wolf Amos 5:8 - maketh

Verse 21

The young: Psalms 34:10, Job 38:39, Isaiah 31:4, Ezekiel 19:2-14, Amos 3:4

seek: Psalms 147:9, Job 38:41, Joel 1:18, Joel 1:20, Joel 2:22

Reciprocal: Job 38:13 - the wicked Psalms 145:15 - The eyes Isaiah 43:20 - beast 1 Peter 5:8 - as

Verse 22

Job 24:13-17, Nahum 3:17, John 3:20

Reciprocal: Job 37:8 - General Job 38:13 - the wicked

Verse 23

Genesis 3:19, Judges 19:16, Ecclesiastes 5:12, Ephesians 4:28, 2 Thessalonians 3:8-12

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:24 - Let

Verse 24

how: Psalms 8:3, Psalms 40:5, Psalms 107:31, Nehemiah 9:6, Job 5:9

in wisdom: Psalms 136:5, Genesis 1:31, Proverbs 3:19, Proverbs 3:20, Proverbs 8:22-36, Jeremiah 10:12, Romans 11:33, Ephesians 1:8, Ephesians 3:10

the earth: Psalms 24:1, Psalms 50:10-12, Psalms 65:11, Genesis 1:11, Genesis 1:12, Genesis 1:24, Genesis 1:25, 1 Timothy 6:17

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:20 - Let the waters Genesis 1:21 - great Job 9:4 - wise in heart Job 36:24 - magnify Job 37:12 - it Job 37:16 - perfect Job 40:19 - the chief Psalms 8:9 - General Psalms 28:5 - Because Psalms 33:5 - earth Psalms 50:12 - fulness Psalms 65:13 - pastures Psalms 92:5 - O Lord Psalms 107:24 - his wonders Psalms 111:2 - works Psalms 139:14 - marvellous Psalms 145:10 - All thy Proverbs 8:12 - I wisdom Ecclesiastes 3:11 - so Ecclesiastes 8:17 - that a man Ecclesiastes 11:5 - even Jeremiah 51:15 - by his wisdom Ezekiel 10:10 - General Daniel 4:3 - great Acts 14:17 - in that Romans 2:4 - riches Philippians 4:19 - according

Verse 25

this great: Psalms 95:4, Psalms 95:5, Genesis 1:20-22, Genesis 1:28, Deuteronomy 33:14-16, Deuteronomy 33:19

beasts: Genesis 3:1, Acts 28:5

Reciprocal: Job 26:5 - Dead things Psalms 50:10 - every Psalms 74:14 - leviathan Psalms 148:7 - ye dragons Ezekiel 47:10 - the great sea Jonah 1:17 - the Lord

Verse 26

There go: Psalms 107:23, Genesis 49:13

leviathan: Psalms 74:14, Job 3:8, *marg. Job 41:1-34, Isaiah 27:1

made: Heb. formed

to play: Job 41:5, Job 41:29

Reciprocal: Genesis 7:18 - ark Job 26:5 - Dead things Job 40:20 - where Psalms 148:7 - ye dragons Jonah 1:17 - the Lord

Verse 27

Psalms 36:6, Psalms 136:25, Psalms 145:15, Psalms 145:16, Psalms 147:9, Job 38:41, Luke 12:24-28

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:29 - to you Genesis 6:21 - General Deuteronomy 8:3 - doth Job 36:31 - he giveth Job 39:8 - General Psalms 145:9 - good Joel 2:22 - afraid Jonah 4:11 - and also Matthew 6:26 - the fowls Matthew 10:29 - and one Acts 17:25 - seeing 1 Corinthians 9:9 - Doth Galatians 6:9 - for

Verse 28

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:29 - to you Genesis 6:21 - General Job 36:31 - he giveth Job 38:41 - General Job 39:8 - General Psalms 103:5 - satisfieth Psalms 145:16 - openest Psalms 147:9 - General Jonah 4:11 - and also Matthew 6:26 - the fowls 1 Timothy 6:17 - who

Verse 29

hidest: Psalms 30:7, Job 13:24, Job 34:29, Romans 8:20-22

thou takest: Psalms 146:4, Job 34:14, Job 34:15, Ecclesiastes 12:7, Acts 17:25

return: Psalms 90:3, Genesis 3:19

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 31:17 - hide my face 2 Samuel 12:15 - struck the child 1 Kings 17:17 - that there was Job 12:10 - the breath Job 14:5 - thou hast Psalms 22:15 - into the Psalms 102:2 - Hide Ecclesiastes 3:19 - as the Ecclesiastes 3:20 - all are Ezekiel 37:5 - I will Daniel 5:23 - in whose James 2:26 - as

Verse 30

sendest: Psalms 33:6, Job 26:13, Job 33:4, Isaiah 32:14, Isaiah 32:15, Ezekiel 37:9, Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:5, Titus 3:5

renewest: Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 66:22, Revelation 21:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:1 - God Genesis 1:2 - Spirit Ezekiel 37:5 - I will Ezekiel 37:10 - the breath

Verse 31

The glory: Psalms 102:16, Romans 11:36, Galatians 1:5, Ephesians 3:21, 2 Timothy 4:18, Hebrews 13:21, 1 Peter 5:11, 2 Peter 3:18, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 5:13

endure: Heb. be

rejoice: Genesis 1:31, Exodus 31:17, Isaiah 62:5, Isaiah 65:18, Isaiah 65:19, Jeremiah 32:41, Zephaniah 3:17, Luke 15:5, Luke 15:6, Luke 15:22-24

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:10 - God saw Exodus 39:43 - did look Psalms 92:4 - General Romans 1:20 - from the

Verse 32

looketh: Psalms 77:16, Psalms 97:4, Psalms 97:5, Psalms 114:7, Isaiah 64:2, Jeremiah 4:23-26, Jeremiah 5:22, Amos 8:8, Nahum 1:5, Nahum 1:6, Habakkuk 3:5, Habakkuk 3:6, Habakkuk 3:10, Revelation 20:11

he toucheth: Psalms 50:3, Psalms 144:5, Exodus 19:18, Isaiah 64:1, Isaiah 64:2, Revelation 19:3

Reciprocal: Exodus 14:24 - looked unto Psalms 18:8 - went Psalms 60:2 - made Jeremiah 10:10 - at

Verse 33

Psalms 63:4, Psalms 145:1, Psalms 145:2, Psalms 146:2

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 12:1 - all the days Psalms 35:28 - General Psalms 71:23 - My lips Psalms 75:9 - But Psalms 86:12 - praise Psalms 108:1 - I will Malachi 3:16 - that thought

Verse 34

meditation: Psalms 1:2, Psalms 63:5, Psalms 63:6, Psalms 77:12, Psalms 119:15, Psalms 119:16, Psalms 119:111, Psalms 119:127, Psalms 119:128, Psalms 119:167, Psalms 139:17, Psalms 139:18, Proverbs 24:14

I will be: Psalms 32:11, Habakkuk 3:17, Habakkuk 3:18, Luke 1:47, Philippians 4:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:63 - to meditate 2 Chronicles 30:25 - rejoiced Psalms 35:28 - General Psalms 37:4 - Delight Psalms 48:9 - thought Psalms 49:3 - meditation Psalms 73:25 - none upon Psalms 92:4 - General Psalms 111:2 - sought Proverbs 2:10 - General Isaiah 19:1 - rideth Joel 2:23 - rejoice Luke 24:32 - Did Romans 5:11 - but we 1 Timothy 4:15 - Meditate Revelation 10:10 - sweet

Verse 35

sinners: Psalms 1:4, Psalms 37:38, Psalms 59:13, Psalms 68:1, Psalms 68:2, Psalms 73:27, Psalms 101:8, Judges 5:31, Proverbs 2:22, Revelation 19:1, Revelation 19:2

Bless: Psalms 104:1, Psalms 103:1, Psalms 103:2, Psalms 103:22

Reciprocal: Judges 4:16 - pursued Job 38:13 - the wicked Psalms 62:5 - soul Psalms 146:1 - Praise the Lord Isaiah 1:28 - the destruction Isaiah 13:9 - he shall