Psalms 104:11

KJV

They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst.

KJV (with Strong's)

They give drink {H8248} to every beast {H2416} of the field {H7704}: the wild asses {H6501} quench {H7665} their thirst {H6772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

supplying water to all the wild animals; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

Berean Standard Bible

They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

American Standard Version

They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild asses quench their thirst.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 104:11 stands as a vibrant testament to God's meticulous and universal provision, specifically highlighting His sovereign care for all living creatures, even those dwelling in the untamed wilderness. Within this grand hymn celebrating the Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos, this verse underscores that the divine sustenance extends beyond humanity, ensuring that every beast of the field, including the resilient wild asses, finds their essential needs, particularly water, abundantly met by the Lord's benevolent hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 104 is a magnificent creation psalm, often paralleled with the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), detailing God's work from the heavens to the earth. It follows a narrative flow that describes God establishing the earth, clothing Himself with light, spreading out the heavens, and then turning His attention to the provision of water. [Psalm 104:10](/psalms/104-10 "Psalm 104:10 - God Sends Springs") explicitly states that God "sends forth springs into the valleys," which then "run among the hills." Verse 11 directly builds upon this, explaining the purpose and beneficiaries of these divinely provided water sources: they are for the sustenance of the animal kingdom. This progression showcases a divinely orchestrated ecosystem, where every element, from flowing water to thirsty animals, is meticulously sustained by God's pervasive and active hand.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the arid and semi-arid regions of ancient Israel, water was an invaluable and often scarce commodity, directly linked to survival and prosperity. The presence or absence of reliable water sources dictated settlement patterns, agricultural success, and the very possibility of life for both humans and animals. While humans could dig wells or manage irrigation, the provision of natural springs and streams for wild animals was understood as a direct act of divine benevolence, beyond human control or intervention. The mention of "wild asses" (Hebrew: *pere'*) is significant, as these animals were known for their ability to survive in harsh, desolate, and often water-scarce environments, making God's provision for them a particularly striking demonstration of His comprehensive care, reaching even the most remote and challenging habitats.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 104 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Provision**, illustrating God's comprehensive and unfailing care that extends to all of creation, not just humanity. It underscores that God's sustenance is universal, encompassing even the "beast of the field" and the resilient "wild asses," demonstrating His active involvement in the daily needs of every living thing. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Sustenance of Life**, presenting water as a fundamental necessity freely given by God to quench the thirst of creatures, thereby affirming His role as the ultimate provider of life's essentials. This echoes the life-giving Spirit of God described in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit of God Hovering") and the ongoing work of God to sustain all that He has made. Finally, it speaks to **God's Wisdom and Design in Nature**, showcasing the intricate balance of the natural world and God's foresight in designing an environment where all creatures can thrive, even those inhabiting seemingly desolate or wild places, a theme beautifully articulated in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's Questions to Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **They give drink (Hebrew, _mashqeh'_):** While literally meaning "to give drink" or "to water," in this context, the "they" refers back to the springs and streams that God sends forth in [Psalm 104:10](/psalms/104-10 "Psalm 104:10 - God Sends Springs"). This highlights the indirect but ultimate agency of God. He is the one who orchestrates the natural processes—the rain, the springs, the rivers—that provide sustenance for all living things. The verb implies an active, intentional provision, not a passive occurrence.
* **beast of the field (Hebrew, _chayyat hassadeh'_):** This is a general term for wild animals, distinguishing them from domesticated livestock. Its inclusion emphasizes the broad scope of God's care, extending beyond human-controlled environments to the untamed wilderness. It signifies that no creature, however wild or remote, is outside the purview of God's benevolent provision.
* **wild asses (Hebrew, _pere'_):** The specific mention of wild asses is significant. These animals were renowned for their independence, speed, and ability to survive in harsh, arid, and often desolate environments where water was scarce. Their inclusion serves as a powerful illustration that God's provision reaches even the most resilient and seemingly self-sufficient creatures in the most challenging habitats, as also noted in [Job 39:5-8](/job/39-5 "Job 39:5-8 - The Wild Donkey's Freedom"), which describes their freedom and habitat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They give drink to every beast of the field":** This opening clause establishes the universal scope of divine provision. The "they" refers to the springs and waters that God, in the preceding verse, has sent forth. It signifies that these natural water sources are not random occurrences but are divinely purposed to sustain all wild creatures. The phrase "every beast of the field" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this care, leaving no species unprovided for.
* **"the wild asses quench their thirst":** This second clause provides a specific, vivid example that reinforces and particularizes the general statement. By singling out the "wild asses," creatures known for their resilience in arid environments, the psalmist underscores the meticulousness and effectiveness of God's provision. It paints a picture of these hardy animals finding relief and sustenance directly from God's natural provisions, fulfilling their most basic and urgent need for water.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several literary devices to convey the profound truth of God's universal provision. **Personification** is subtly used as the springs and waters are depicted as actively "giving drink," implying a conscious, benevolent action, though ultimately attributed to God's design. **Synecdoche** is evident in the specific mention of "wild asses," which serves as a representative example for all "beasts of the field," highlighting God's care for even the most independent and hard-to-reach creatures. The verse is rich in **Imagery**, evoking a vivid scene of wild animals gathering at life-giving waters, a stark contrast to the parched landscapes they often inhabit. This imagery underscores the miraculous and essential nature of God's provision in sustaining the intricate web of life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 104:11 profoundly speaks to the theological truth of God's active and benevolent sovereignty over all creation. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the daily sustenance of every living thing, demonstrating His faithfulness and generosity. This verse challenges anthropocentric views by showing that God's care extends far beyond humanity, encompassing the entire animal kingdom. It implies that if God meticulously provides for the basic needs of wild animals, who neither toil nor sow, then His human children, made in His image, can trust even more deeply in His boundless love and provision for their own needs, both physical and spiritual. This divine care for creation also calls believers to a posture of gratitude, wonder, and responsible stewardship of the natural world, recognizing it as a direct expression of God's glory and sustaining power.

* [Genesis 1:30](/genesis/1-30 "Genesis 1:30 - Provision for All Creatures"): "And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so."
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God's Care for Birds"): "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
* [Luke 12:24](/luke/12-24 "Luke 12:24 - God Feeds the Ravens"): "Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than fowls?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a profound invitation to trust and wonder. In a world often marked by anxiety and scarcity, Psalms 104:11 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unfailing faithfulness and comprehensive provision. If God orchestrates the flow of springs to quench the thirst of wild asses in desolate places, how much more can we, His beloved children, rely on Him for our daily bread, our spiritual sustenance, and every need? It encourages us to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the intricate beauty and sustainability of the natural world, recognizing it not merely as a resource but as a vibrant testament to God's ongoing creative and sustaining power. This perspective should inspire us to live with less anxiety about our future, knowing that the same God who cares for the "beast of the field" also cares for us with an even greater, intimate love. It also calls us to consider our role as stewards of creation, appreciating its value not just for human benefit, but as something God Himself cherishes and actively sustains.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's focus on God's provision for wild animals challenge or expand your understanding of God's care?**
* **What specific anxieties or needs in your life can you surrender to the God who provides even for the "wild asses"?**
* **How might recognizing God's meticulous care for creation impact your appreciation for nature and your role in environmental stewardship?**

### FAQ
**Why are "wild asses" specifically mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The specific mention of "wild asses" (Hebrew: *pere'*) is highly significant because these animals were known for their remarkable resilience and ability to survive in harsh, often arid, and desolate environments. Unlike domesticated animals that rely on human care, wild asses are independent and thrive in conditions where water is scarce. By highlighting God's provision for them, the psalmist emphasizes the universality and thoroughness of God's care, demonstrating that His benevolent hand reaches even the most remote, untamed, and seemingly self-sufficient creatures. It underscores that no part of creation is beyond the scope of His sustaining power, making the divine provision all the more astounding and comprehensive, as seen in [Job 39:5-8](/job/39-5 "Job 39:5-8 - The Wild Donkey's Freedom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 104:11 speaks of God's general provision for creation, its principles find ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. As the Word through whom all things were made and by whom all things are sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")), Christ is the divine agent of the very provision described in the psalm. He is the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water") who quenches not merely physical thirst, but the spiritual thirst of humanity, offering eternal life to those who believe. Just as God provides for the wild asses, Jesus assures His followers that their Heavenly Father cares for them even more profoundly than for the birds of the air ([Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God's Care for Birds")). This demonstrates that the meticulous care God shows for creation is a foreshadowing of His even greater, redemptive care for humanity through Christ. In Him, we find not just physical sustenance, but the ultimate provision for our souls, cleansing from sin, and the promise of eternal life, fulfilling the deepest needs that no earthly spring could ever satisfy.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 145:16

Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

Psalms 104:13

He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

Job 39:5

Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?

Job 39:8

The range of the mountains [is] his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing.