¶ He sendeth the springs into the valleys, [which] run among the hills.
He sendeth {H7971} the springs {H4599} into the valleys {H5158}, which run {H1980} among the hills {H2022}.
You make springs gush forth in the vadis; they flow between the hills,
He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains.
He sendeth forth springs into the valleys; They run among the mountains;
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Isaiah 41:18
I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. -
Psalms 107:35
He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings. -
Isaiah 35:7
And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, [shall be] grass with reeds and rushes. -
Deuteronomy 8:7
For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;
Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of creation, praising God as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Verse 10 specifically highlights God's intricate design and ongoing provision within the natural world, focusing on the crucial element of water.
Context
This psalm is often considered a poetic reflection on the Genesis creation account, detailing God's work in establishing the earth, heavens, and all living creatures. Following descriptions of God's majesty and the laying of the earth's foundations (Psalm 104:1-9), verse 10 transitions to God's careful provision for life through water. In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, the availability of water from natural springs and rain was absolutely vital for survival, making this imagery deeply resonant with daily life and the constant need for divine blessing. The psalm celebrates God's active involvement in maintaining the natural order.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "springs" here is ma'yan (מַעְיָן), which refers to a natural fountain or wellspring, emphasizing the spontaneous, life-giving emergence of water from the earth. The imagery of water running "among the hills" (harim) and into "valleys" (ge'ayot) paints a vivid picture of a landscape being thoroughly permeated and nourished by God's provision, highlighting the natural flow and distribution of water across diverse terrains.
Related Scriptures
This verse beautifully illustrates God's commitment to sustaining His creation. It resonates with other passages that speak of God as the ultimate provider of water and life, such as Psalm 65:9, where the psalmist praises God for visiting and watering the earth. The immediate context in Psalm 104 itself further elaborates on this provision, showing how these springs give drink to every beast of the field (Psalm 104:11). The broader theme of divine care for all creation is also seen in Jesus' teaching about God feeding the birds of the air and clothing the lilies of the field, demonstrating His attention to every detail of His creation.
Practical Application
Psalm 104:10 invites us to pause and appreciate the seemingly mundane yet miraculous aspects of God's daily provision. It encourages a deep sense of gratitude for the natural resources we often take for granted, like clean water, which is fundamental to life. This verse reminds us that God is actively involved in sustaining our world and our lives, fostering trust in His continued care and faithfulness. It also subtly calls us to be good stewards of the earth's resources, recognizing them as divine gifts entrusted to our care.