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What does Psalms 104 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Several psalms mention God's creative work (Psalm 8; 19; 24; 95; 102; 121; 147). Psalm 104 is the most direct and detailed in its celebration of the Lord as the Creator. An early reference to God's messengers is cited in Hebrews 1:7. This psalm is also the first occurrence of the Hebrew word hallelujah. The term is actually two words, joined into a dedicated expression of praise. Some Bible translations interpret it as "praise the LORD," others transliterate it. The word is seen only in the last third of the book of Psalms and Revelation chapter 19.

God is mighty, majestic, and wonderful. These traits are so obvious that the psalmist says the Lord is "clothed" in them: they are immediately clear. All that exists in creation is under the Lord's control. That includes the water, winds, and heavens. It also applies to His "messengers." This uses the Hebrew term mal'āk, translated into Greek as angelos, which in English becomes "angel." The book of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:7) cites this phrase (Psalm 104:1–4).

Part of God's role in creation was establishing boundaries. The Lord chose to place mountains, valleys, and seas in certain places. None of these can be moved apart from His will. The psalmist echoes concepts seen in Genesis chapter 1 but does not repeat the exact creation account (Psalm 104:5–9).

The Lord also provides water to maintain life on earth. He enables the growth of plants. These feed animals and allow men to grow food. Some, like trees, provide shelter for animals. Other creatures find homes in rocks and mountains, or the deep seas. Animals of all sizes and types are sustained by God's creation. The sun and moon move according to His will. This creates the cycle of day and night (Psalm 104:10–26).

Everything in creation depends on God. Without His provision, all life would die. Only He provides the breath of life; this comes from the Hebrew word ru'ach. As with the Greek term pneuma, this can mean "life," "breath," "spirit," or even a reference to the Holy Spirit. When the breath of life is gone, living things once again become dirt (Psalm 104:27–30).

The psalm ends with another statement of the Lord's absolute power. The psalmist is committed to seeking the Lord with their praise as well as their thoughts. In that mindset, the psalmist prays that God would remove evil people from the world (Psalm 104:31–35).

Psalm 104:1–4 describes God's obvious power and glory. These attributes are so evident that the Lord is said to be "clothed" in them. All creation is under His control and part of His kingdom. Nothing can be changed or altered outside of His will. This passage refers to God's "messengers," in a phrase cited in Hebrews 1:7.

Psalm 104:5–30 celebrates God's greatness as demonstrated in creation. All animals, all resources, all climates, and all environments are part of His design. So, too, are the sun and moon which are used to divide time. The Lord established every aspect of these natural elements. Without Him, nothing could exist. Only He creates and controls life. This is a more extensive description than other psalms which touch on creation (Psalm 8; 19; 24; 65; 95; 102; 121; 147).

Psalm 104:31–35 closes the song with praise and resolve. The psalmist intends to worship God for the rest of his life. He also aspires to keep his thoughts aligned with the Lord and the Lord's will. As part of this commitment, the psalmist prays that God would remove evil people from the world. This psalm ends with the Bible's first use of the term "hallelujah."

Chapter Summary:

The psalmist praises the Lord for His creation. God is credited with establishing the earth, setting boundaries for bodies of water, and providing water and food for animals and human beings. What God has made includes proper living spaces for all sorts of life. He set the motions of the sun and moon. All creation owes its existence to God's Spirit. The psalmist resolves to continue praising the Lord while hoping that the wicked will be removed from earth.

Chapter Context:

Psalms 103 and 104 begin with the same phrase but have different themes. The prior text emphasized God's loyal love for His people. Psalm 104 focuses on the Lord as Creator. This psalm echoes ideas also seen in Genesis 1—2 but does not follow the creation account directly. Of the psalms, this is the most detailed and overt in discussing God's work in creation. Other psalms discuss the subject briefly (Psalm 8; 19; 24; 65; 95; 102; 121; 147).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

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