Psa 104:6-26 | MHM | STEP | 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 ).

‏ Psalms 104:6-26

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 ^a).

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 ^b). God did this for the sake of people, so the world could be a home for us (Habakkuk 3:8,13 ^c).

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 ^d). 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 Bounty

This 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 ^e). 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 shall flourish in the courts of our God (Psalm 92:13 ^f).

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 Bounty

This 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 ^g), 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, how many are your works! In wisdom you made them all . Everything in creation is made with purpose and skill. God’s works are many and amazing, and each part fits perfectly into his plan.

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.