how many are your works! In wisdom have you made them all. The earth is full of your riches.
Context / meaning
Psalm 104 [10.] He sends springs into the valleys.
They run among the mountains.
They give drink to every animal of the field.
The wild donkeys quench their thirst.
The birds of the sky nest by them.
They sing among the branches.
He waters the mountains from his rooms.
The earth is filled with the fruit of your works.
He causes the grass to grow for the livestock,
and plants for man to cultivate,
that he may produce food out of the earth:
wine that makes glad the heart of man,
oil to make his face to shine,
and bread that strengthens man’s heart.
Yahweh’s trees are well watered,
the cedars of Lebanon, which he has planted;
where the birds make their nests.
The stork makes its home in the cypress trees.
The high mountains are for the wild goats.
The rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.
He appointed the moon for seasons.
The sun knows when to set.
Psalm 104 [20.] You make darkness, and it is night,
in which all the animals of the forest prowl.
The young lions roar after their prey,
and seek their food from God.
The sun rises, and they steal away,
and lay down in their dens.
Man goes out to his work,
to his labor until the evening.
Yahweh, how many are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all.
The earth is full of your riches.
There is the sea, great and wide,
in which are innumerable living things,
both small and large animals.
There the ships go,
and leviathan, whom you formed to play there.
These all wait for you,
that you may give them their food in due season.
You give to them; they gather.
You open your hand; they are satisfied with good.
You hide your face: they are troubled;
you take away their breath: they die, and return to the dust.
Psalm 104 [30.] You send out your Spirit and they are created.
You renew the face of the ground.
Let Yahweh’s glory endure forever.
Let Yahweh rejoice in his works.
He looks at the earth, and it trembles.
He touches the mountains, and they smoke.
I will sing to Yahweh as long as I live.
I will sing praise to my God while I have any being.
Let your meditation be sweet to him.
I will rejoice in Yahweh.
Let sinners be consumed out of the earth.
Let the wicked be no more.
Bless Yahweh, my soul.
Praise Yah!
Meaning
In this verse, the psalmist marvels at the greatness and wisdom of God displayed through His creation. Let's delve into the key messages conveyed in this verse:
- The Multitude of God's Works:
"Yahweh, how many are your works!" acknowledges the abundance and diversity of God's creative acts. It reflects on the vastness of God's creation, encompassing the heavens, the earth, and everything in them. The psalmist is in awe of the sheer magnitude of God's works, which are beyond human comprehension.
- God's Wisdom in Creation:
"In wisdom have you made them all." This phrase acknowledges that God's works are not only numerous but also crafted with wisdom and intelligence. Every aspect of creation bears the mark of God's wisdom, design, and purpose. From the intricate ecosystems to the delicate balance of the natural world, God's wisdom is evident.
- The Earth as a Reflection of God's Riches:
"The earth is full of your riches." This statement recognizes that the earth is brimming with the abundant blessings and provision of God. It highlights the richness and beauty found in the natural world, including its resources, landscapes, and the intricate interplay of life within it. The earth stands as a testimony to the generosity and goodness of God.
In the broader context of Psalm 104, the psalmist praises God for His role as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. The psalm celebrates the beauty and harmony of the natural world, attributing it to God's wisdom and care. It acknowledges that all creatures and elements of creation depend on God for their provision and existence.
As we reflect on Psalm 104:24, it invites us to join the psalmist in marveling at the wonders of God's creation. It calls us to recognize the immense variety, complexity, and beauty that exist in the world around us. It prompts us to see God's handiwork in every aspect of nature, from the smallest details to the grandest landscapes.
Furthermore, this verse invites us to acknowledge God's wisdom in His creative acts. It reminds us that all things were intentionally designed and purposefully crafted by a wise and intelligent Creator. When we consider the intricate balance and interdependence of ecosystems, the vastness of the cosmos, or the delicate mechanisms of life, we are filled with awe at God's wisdom.
Additionally, Psalm 104:24 encourages us to appreciate the abundant provision and blessings that God has bestowed upon the earth. It reminds us of God's generosity and care in supplying the needs of His creation. The earth is a reflection of God's riches, and it is our responsibility to steward and cherish it with gratitude and reverence.
May Psalm 104:24 inspire us to develop a deeper sense of wonder and gratitude for God's creation. May we approach the natural world with awe and respect, recognizing it as a testament to God's wisdom, power, and provision. Let us be good stewards of the earth, valuing and caring for the rich resources and diverse life that God has entrusted to us.
May we continually marvel at the multitude of God's works and give thanks for His abundant blessings. As we do so, may our hearts overflow with praise and worship for the Creator of all things.
Psalm 104:24. Yahweh, how many are your works! In wisdom have you made them all. The earth is full of your riches.
environment - world
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible