Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 104

The Divine MajestyThis psalm calls us to worship God with our whole heart and mind. The writer encourages his soul to wake up and praise the Lord

v. 2: God covers himself with light as with a garment and stretches out the heavens like a curtain . This reminds us of how God created the sky and spread it out like a tent over the earth (Genesis 1:7 ). The heavens protect the earth, like a curtain keeps a bed warm. Although God is surrounded by light, he sometimes uses darkness as a covering, showing compassion for us because we cannot bear his full glory. His presence fills heaven and earth, showing how great he truly is.

v. 3: God has his chambers or upper rooms above the skies, with their beams laid on the waters above the firmament . Just as kings have strong palaces, God’s “rooms” are held up by his power, even though they rest on water and air, which are not solid. This shows that God’s power is greater than any human strength.God also makes the clouds his chariot and walks upon the wings of the wind (Psalm 104:3 ). When God acts in special ways in the world, he shows his might and speed, moving above all human limits. God came down in a cloud at Mount Sinai to give the law and at Mount Tabor to reveal his glory (Matthew 17:5 ). He controls the wind and uses it for his purposes (Psalm 18:10-11 ).

v. 4: God’s servants, the angels, are spirits and a flame of fire . The New Testament quotes this to show that Christ is greater than the angels (Hebrews 1:7 ). Angels are quick and pure, like wind and fire. They do what God commands, moving fast like lightning (Ezekiel 1:14 ). They are what God made them to be, and he uses them as he wishes.

v. 5: Next, the psalmist looks at God's power on earth. God has built the earth on its foundations, so it cannot be moved forever . Even though the earth seems to hang in space, God keeps it steady. It will not fall or be destroyed until God’s appointed time.

v. 6: At creation, God covered the earth with water, the waters were above the mountains . This made the earth unfit for people. So, on the third day, God commanded the waters to gather in one place and let dry land appear (Genesis 1:9 ).

v. 7: God’s command is like a rebuke to the waters—they quickly obeyed his voice and moved away . God’s power over creation is shown when the waters “fled” at his word, just as it says, The waters saw thee, O God! the waters saw thee; they were afraid (Psalm 77:16 ). God did this for the sake of people, so the world could be a home for us (Habakkuk 3:8,13 ).

v. 8: The waters moved over the hills and valleys until they reached the place God had set for them . Even the seas obey God, teaching us to listen to his commands as well. We should learn to accept the place God gives us, just as the waters rest where God puts them.

v. 9: God set boundaries for the sea so it would not cover the earth again . He keeps the water in its place, except for when he sent the flood in Noah’s time. God’s control over the sea is a reason for us to respect and fear him (Job 38:8; Jeremiah 5:22 ). If God did not hold back the sea, it would soon cover everything. This shows how much we depend on God’s power and goodness.

The Divine BountyThis section praises God not only as the protector of the earth but also as the generous provider for all living things. God gives every creature what it needs to survive, from water and food to shelter. His care reaches every part of creation, showing his kindness and wisdom in how he looks after even the smallest animals and plants.v. 10: God sends springs of fresh water into the valleys . Even though there is plenty of water in the sea, it is too salty to drink. God kindly provides drinkable water for the earth. He makes springs and streams flow between the hills, giving water to the land.

v. 11: These streams give water to every animal in the fields, even to the wild donkeys . God cares for all animals, not just those that are useful to people. He makes sure that even wild creatures have enough to drink.

v. 12: Birds make their homes by the streams and sing among the branches . God provides safe places for birds to live and food for them to eat. Their cheerful songs praise their Creator, and remind us to be thankful too.

v. 13: God waters the hills from his heavenly rooms . The rain that falls from the clouds is called the river of God (Psalm 65:9 ). This rain satisfies the earth and makes it fruitful. God’s kindness is seen when the land produces everything we need.

v. 14: God makes grass grow for the cattle and plants for people to cultivate . The earth gives food to both animals and humans. God provides in many ways, showing his care for all living things.

v. 15: God brings forth wine to make people glad, oil to make their faces shine, and bread to give them strength . These gifts are not just for survival, but also for our enjoyment and comfort. God gives us what we need and also what makes life pleasant.

v. 16: Even the trees that grow in wild places, like the cedars of Lebanon, are full of sap because God takes care of them . These trees are strong and healthy because God planted them and provides for them. In the same way, those who belong to God will flourish, as it says, those that are planted in the house of the Lord

v. 17: The birds make their nests high up in the trees, especially in the cedars of Lebanon . The stork finds a home in the tall fir trees. God gives each bird a safe place to live, showing his wisdom and care.

v. 18: The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats, and the rocks provide shelter for the rabbits . Even the smallest and weakest animals have a place to hide and be safe because God looks after them. If God cares so much for these creatures, we can trust that he will be a safe refuge for his people too.

The Divine BountyThis passage teaches us to praise God for how he wisely rules over all creation. God controls the cycles of day and night, provides for all creatures in the sea and on land, and keeps everything alive by his power. Each part of nature follows God’s plan and serves a purpose, showing his wisdom and kindness.v. 19: God made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set . The moon helps track months and controls the tides, while the sun’s movement gives us day and night. Unlike people who worship the sun and moon, we understand that they are God’s creations and obey his commands.

v. 20: God brings darkness and makes it night . Night is not just darkness; it is important for nature. During the night, all the animals of the forest come out to hunt. God has placed fear of people in wild animals (Genesis 9:2 ), which helps keep humans safe. Night can also be a picture of times of trouble or temptation, when dangers seem to come out like wild beasts.

v. 21: The young lions roar for their prey and ask God for food . Even fierce animals depend on God to give them what they need. Their cries for food are like prayers to their Creator, who provides for all living things.

v. 22: When the sun rises, the wild animals return to their hiding places . The light of morning sends the beasts away, making it safe for people to go out and work.

v. 23: People go out to work and do their jobs until evening . Daytime is for people to be busy and active, while animals rest. God’s order keeps people safe and helps everyone do their work at the right time.

v. 24: The psalmist stops to praise God, saying, O Lord

v. 25: The sea is also full of God’s riches. It is wide and full of many living things, both big and small . Even though the ocean seems empty or useless, God fills it with creatures and makes it useful for people, like providing fish for food and a way for ships to travel.

v. 26: Ships sail on the sea, and there the great sea creature, called Leviathan, plays . God made even the biggest animals in the sea, and they live there safely because of his power. The Leviathan is strong and free, showing God’s creative power.

v. 27: All creatures wait for God to give them food at the right time . Every living being depends on God’s generosity. They trust him to provide what they need.

v. 28: When God gives food, the creatures gather it up and are satisfied . God is generous and wise, giving just what each one needs. Their patience and contentment remind us to trust God and be thankful for what we have.

v. 29: If God hides his face, the creatures become troubled. When he takes away their breath, they die and return to the dust . All life depends on God every moment. When God stops giving life, creatures cannot survive.

v. 30: But when God sends his Spirit, new life is created, and the earth is renewed . God keeps the cycle of life going. Even though individual creatures die, new ones are born, and the earth remains full of life. Every spring and every new day shows God’s continual care, and some people see this as a picture of resurrection and hope for the future.

The Divine BountyThis final section of the psalm reflects on God’s greatness, the joy of praising him, and the ultimate triumph of his justice. The psalmist praises God as the Creator and Sustainer of everything and finds personal joy in meditating on him. At the same time, it warns of the fate of the wicked and calls everyone to join in worshiping the Lord

v. 32: The psalmist describes God’s almighty power: He looks on the earth, and it trembles; he touches the mountains, and they smoke . This imagery reminds us of God’s power at Mount Sinai, where the earth shook and the mountain smoked in his presence (Exodus 19:18 ). God’s power is so great that even a glance or touch can cause nature to tremble in fear.

v. 33: The psalmist declares his personal commitment to praise God: I will sing to the Lord

v. 34: The psalmist finds joy in thinking about God: My meditation of him shall be sweet; I will be glad in the Lord

v. 35: The psalmist prays for the removal of sinners: Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more (Psalm 104:35 ). Those who rebel against God and dishonor him will face judgment. The psalmist feels holy indignation toward those who oppose God, but he also praises God for saving him from their fate. He ends with a call to worship: Bless the Lord