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Psalms 104

35 verses

TL;DR

The psalm extols the LORD’s wondrous creative works, portraying nature as a testament to His power, wisdom, and providence.

Summary

Psalm 104 opens with a personal cry of praise, acknowledging God’s greatness and majesty. The poet then poetically describes the divine creation of light, heavens, wind, water, and the earth’s foundations, emphasizing how God orders and sustains all elements of the natural world. Water is portrayed as both a boundary and a life-giving resource, flowing through springs to nourish beasts and birds. The psalm continues by celebrating the abundance of plant life and the provision of food and drink for both humans and animals. It highlights the rhythmic cycles of day and night, seasons, and the behavior of creatures, all reflecting God’s wisdom. The closing verses affirm God’s ongoing care, the eternal glory of His works, and call for continual worship and the removal of wickedness.

Outline
  1. Praise of God’s creative power and majesty
  2. Detailed depiction of creation: light, water, land, flora, fauna and their order
  3. Assurance of God’s providence, sovereignty, and call to ongoing worship
Themes
Creation and orderProvidence and sustenanceSovereignty and worship
Keywords
creationprovidencesustainingnaturepraisefaithearthwateranimalslightdarkness
People
LORDman
Places
Heavenearthseamountainsvalleyshillssky
Things
lightheavenscloudswindangelsspringswatertreesmoonsunleopardsshipsleviathanfruitbreadwineoil
Key Verses
  • Psalms 104:1: Sets the tone of praise and describes God’s majesty
  • Psalms 104:5: Highlights God’s foundational work, establishing the earth
  • Psalms 104:14: Shows God’s provision for all creatures and humanity
  • Psalms 104:25: Depicts the vastness of the sea and God’s creative power over it
  • Psalms 104:31: Affirms the enduring glory of God and His joy in creation
Questions
  • How does Psalm 104 portray the relationship between God and the natural world?
  • In what ways does the psalm illustrate God’s ongoing provision for humanity and animals?
  • What does the mention of ‘leviathan’ and ‘ships’ reveal about human dependence on God?
  • How might the repeated call to praise affect the believer’s view of creation?
  • What lessons about stewardship and gratitude can be drawn from this psalm?
Sentiment

positive
The passage exudes reverence, awe, and gratitude toward God’s creative and sustaining works.