Psalm 104:18-23

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 104:19-30

We are here taught to praise and magnify God, I. For the constant revolutions and succession of day and night, and the dominion of sun and moon over them. 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 (Ps. 104:19): He appointed the moon for seasons, for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 104:18

The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats ,.... Who have their name in Hebrew F4 יעלים ab עלה Buxtorf. Lexic. fol. 322. from their climbing and ascending them. What we commonly call "a wild goose chase" should be expressed "a wild goat's chase"; for not geese, but goats, are chased; and when they are, they flee to the hills for refuge. Hence they are sometimes called the wild goats of the rocks, Job 39:1 , and sometimes the rocks are called from them the rocks of wild goats,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 104:19

He appointeth the moon for seasons ,.... Or, "he made" F5 עשה "fecit", Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, &c.; ; for the moon is the work of his hands, Psalm 8:3 as is likewise the sun. From the rain the psalmist passes to the luminaries; for this reason, as Aben Ezra thinks, because they are the cause of rain: the moon is taken notice of in the first place, because, as Kimchi observes, the night was before the day; and in the night of the fourth day were... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 104:20

Thou makest darkness, and it is night ,.... The darkness was before the light, and the night before the day, Genesis 1:2 and now the darkness and night are made by the setting of the sun before mentioned; see Isaiah 45:7 . Wherein all the beasts of the field do creep forth ; out of their dens, and range about for their prey, as the evening wolves and others: and these are not the only creatures that choose the night and darkness; all wicked men do the same; whose deeds are evil, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 104:21

The young lions roar after their prey ,.... Or, "at the prey" F6 לטרף "ad praedam", Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, &c.; ; for, according to the Scriptures, it seems as if their time of roaring was when they have got their prey, and are tearing it and feeding on it, and not till then, Amos 3:4 though naturalists tell us, that, when they are pinched with hunger, they make such a hideous roaring, as quite stupefies, as well as terrifies,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 104:22

The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together ,.... Having gone some one way, some another, seeking their prey; but upon the sun's rising gather together in order to return from whence they came, abhorring the light of the sun, as some creatures do, and fearing being hunted and taken by men, the fear of whom is still in some measure upon the beasts of the field, Genesis 9:2 . So wicked men do not care for the light of the day, nor do false teachers choose to come to the light of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 104:23

Man goeth forth to his work ,.... Having taken sleep in the night, being comfortably refreshed, and his strength recruited; he rises with the rising sun, and goes forth cheerfully and with intrepidity to his work in the field, or elsewhere, the beasts being fled and gone. And to his labour until the evening ; to till the ground, and do other services and labour, either of the head or hand; for man is born and designed for labour, and not for sloth and idleness: in his innocent state he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 104:18

The high hills are a refuge - The barren tops of the highest hills, and the craggy abrupt precipices of the most stupendous rocks, are not without their uses: they afford protection, refuge, and food, for creatures whose dispositions and habits are suited to such places; and thus no part of the creation is useless. The creatures who are their inhabitants are necessary links in the great chain of animated beings, and show the wisdom and providence of God. For a description of the covey, see... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 104:19

He appointed the moon for seasons - The heathens thought that the sun and moon were gods, and worshipped them as such. The psalmist shows, 1. That they are creatures dependent on God for their being and continuance; and, 2. That they were made for the use of man. See what has been said on these luminaries in the notes on Genesis 1:14-16 ; (note). read more

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