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.
Psalm 104:27-28
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.
Meaning:
- Dependence on God's Provision:
The verses depict the entire created order, including living creatures, as dependent on God for sustenance. They "wait" for Him to provide their food in due season, recognizing His role as the ultimate provider and sustainer of all life.
- God's Generosity and Care:
The imagery of God opening His hand and satisfying His creatures with good highlights His abundant provision and care. His generosity knows no bounds, and He delights in meeting the needs of His creation, ensuring that they are satisfied and nourished.
Significance:
Trusting in God's Provision: Psalm 104:27-28 invites us to trust in God's provision for our daily needs. Just as the natural world relies on Him for sustenance, we are called to depend on His faithfulness and abundance in our lives. This trust frees us from anxiety and worry, knowing that God will provide for us in His perfect timing.
Gratitude and Contentment: The verses inspire gratitude and contentment in recognizing God's provision and care. When we acknowledge His generosity and faithfulness, we can find satisfaction in His blessings and live with a sense of contentment, knowing that He provides for all our needs.
Stewardship and Responsibility: While God is the ultimate provider, Psalm 104:27-28 also reminds us of our role as stewards of His creation. We are called to work alongside God in caring for the earth and ensuring that His provision is shared equitably among all living beings. This includes practicing responsible stewardship of resources and advocating for justice and sustainability.
Cross References:
Matthew 6:26: Jesus refers to God's provision for the birds of the air as an illustration of His care and provision for His children: "Look at the birds of the air, for they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?"
Philippians 4:19: Paul reassures believers of God's provision for their needs according to His riches in glory: "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
In Conclusion: Psalm 104:27-28 celebrates God's abundant provision and care for His creation, inviting us to trust in His faithfulness, express gratitude for His blessings, and embrace our responsibility as stewards of His gifts. As we rely on God's provision and seek to honor Him in our stewardship, may we experience the fullness of His blessings and share His goodness with others.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible