Psalm 104:10-18 | The Way of Scripture

Psalm 104:10-18

Why are wild creatures included beside crops cultivated for people?

Berean Standard Bible

10 He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains. 11 They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12 The birds of the air nest beside the springs; they sing among the branches. 13 He waters the mountains from His chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of His works. 14 He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: 15 wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart. 16 The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted, 17 where the birds build their nests; the stork makes her home in the cypresses. 18 The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers.

What is the context?

Springs supply animals and birds, while rain waters the mountains. The account moves between creatures outside human cultivation and food grown for human use.

Grass, crops, wine, oil, bread, trees, nests, mountains, and rocks belong to a richly varied provision. Different creatures find fitting places.

The world is praised as more than a storehouse for one species. Human labor appears within a creation already sustained by God.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley emphasizes providential supply and care. His explanations of particular animal behavior and customary uses of oil are not required to hear the hymn’s main claim of abundant provision.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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