Psalm 104: How Diverse Are Thy Works!

Psalm 104 rejoices in God’s creation. God is represented as being robed in light (v. 2). Verses 2 and 3 are analogous to the first two days of Creation (Genesis 1:3–8).

The clouds are His chariot (Psalm 104:3), and the winds, His messengers (v. 4). Verses 5–9 speak to the third day of Creation (Genesis 1:9, 10), wherein God established the earth, placing it on a firm foundation (Psalm 104:5). He then separated land from water, calling the land “earth” and the waters “sea” (vv. 6–9). The waters were placed within boundaries they could not pass (v. 9). Thus, the contours of the earth were formed, as God created mountains, valleys, rivers, and seas (v. 8). God provided water for His creatures by sending “springs into the valleys, which run among the hills” (v. 10). He sent rain to nourish the earth (v. 13) so grass would “grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth” (v. 14). He planted the trees (v. 16) in which birds build their nests (v. 17).

The hills and rocks provide shelter for the wild goat and the rock badger (v. 18). God appointed the sun and the moon (v. 19; Genesis 1:14–19).

He defined the seasons (Psalm 104:19).

Day and night provide work and rest for humans and beasts (vv. 20–23).

Here David pauses as he can no longer restrain his praise for the wisdom and creativity of the Lord (v. 24). David resumes his account of Creation by mentioning the creatures inhabiting the seas (vv. 25, 26), which were created on the fifth day of Creation (Genesis 1:20–22).

In a brief reference to humans, David applauds the skills that allow humankind to create and sail ships (Psalm 104:26). God provides for all His creatures (vv. 27–30).

As David meditated on the marvelous works of our Creator, his soul was blessed (vv. 1, 35). God is certainly worthy of praise (vv. 33–35)! “O tell of His might, O sing of His grace, / Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space; / His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form, / And dark is His path on the wings of the storm.”