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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 104:10-18

Having given glory to God as the powerful protector of this earth, in saving it from being deluged, here he comes to acknowledge him as its bountiful benefactor, who provides conveniences for all the creatures. I. He provides fresh water for their drink: He sends the springs into the valleys, Ps. 104:10. There is water enough indeed in the sea, that is, enough to drown us, but not one drop to refresh us, be we ever so thirsty?it is all so salt; and therefore God has graciously provided water... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 104:10

He sendeth the springs into the valleys ,.... The Targum is, "who sendeth fountains into the rivers.' Either from the waters of the sea, which being drained through the sand, become sweet and drinkable; or from the hills and mountains. This is an instance of divine goodness, that having removed the waters from the earth, and shut them up in the sea, and which, through the saltness of them, not being proper drink for men and beasts, he has been pleased to form and open springs, fountains,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 104:11

They give drink to every beast of the field ,.... These fountains, springs, and rivers, afford water for all the beasts of the field; who are therefore said to honour and praise the Lord on account of it, Isaiah 43:19 . The wild asses quench their thirst ; or "break" F14 ישברו "frangent", Pagninus, Montanus; "frangunt", Vatablus, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis; so Ainsworth. it. Those creatures that live in dry and desert places, and are themselves dry and thirsty; and though so... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 104:12

By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation ,.... Another use of the springs, fountains, and rivers of water; by the sides and on the shores of these, some birds delight to be, and on trees that grow here do they build their nests; and here, having wetted their throats, they sit, and chirp, and sing: to doves, by rivers of water, is the allusion in Song of Solomon 5:12 . Which sing among the branches ; of trees that grow by the sides of fountains and rivers; see ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 104:13

He watereth the hills from his chambers ,.... The house of his superior treasures, as the Targum. The airy regions, Psalm 104:3 with the clouds of heaven, by the rain which they drop down upon them; the usefulness of which blessings of nature is largely described in this and some following verses. "The hills", which are naturally dry and barren, and receive but little advantage from the springs, fountains, and rivers below, are supplied with water from above; and become fruitful, bear... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 104:14

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle ,.... By means of rain falling upon the tender herb, and upon the mown grass, whereby provision of food is made for those creatures that live upon grass. And herb for the service of man : some herbs being for physic for him, and others for food, and all more or less for his use. Herbs were the original food of man, Genesis 1:29 and still a dinner of herbs, where love is, is better than a stalled ox, and hatred therewith, Proverbs 15:17 .... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 104:10

He sendeth the springs into the valleys - Evaporation is guided and regulated by Divine Providence. The sun has a certain power to raise a certain portion of vapours from a given space. God has apportioned the aqueous to the terrene surface, and the solar attraction to both. There is just as much aqueous surface as affords a sufficiency of vapours to be raised by the solar attraction to water the earthy surface. Experiments have been instituted which prove that it requires a given space of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 104:11

The wild asses quench their thirst - The פרא pere , onager or wild ass, differs in nothing from the tame ass, only it has not a broken spirit, and is consequently more lively and active. It is so very swift that no horse except the Arab barb can overtake it. It is a gregarious animal, and they go in troops to feed and to drink. It is very timid, or rather jealous of its liberty, and therefore retires deep into the desert; yet even there the providence of God regards it; springs are... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 104:12

By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation - All fowls love verdure, and have their residence where they can find wood and water. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 104:13

From his chambers - The clouds, as in Psalm 104:3 . The earth is satisfied - The inhabitants of it. read more

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