He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.
He watereth {H8248} the hills {H2022} from his chambers {H5944}: the earth {H776} is satisfied {H7646} with the fruit {H6529} of thy works {H4639}.
You water the mountains from your palace; the earth is satisfied with how you provide
He waters the mountains from His chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of His works.
He watereth the mountains from his chambers: The earth is filled with the fruit of thy works.
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Psalms 147:8
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. -
Jeremiah 10:13
When he uttereth his voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. -
Jeremiah 14:22
Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these [things]. -
Deuteronomy 11:11
But the land, whither ye go to possess it, [is] a land of hills and valleys, [and] drinketh water of the rain of heaven: -
Job 38:25
¶ Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; -
Job 38:28
Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? -
Job 38:37
Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,
Context
Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise, celebrating God as the glorious Creator and faithful Sustainer of the universe. It beautifully echoes the creation narrative found in Genesis 1, detailing God's meticulous design and ongoing provision for all aspects of His creation. This particular verse, Psalm 104:13, fits within a section describing how God provides for the earth's vegetation and the various creatures that depend on it, following the mention of Him making springs and rivers flow through the hills and valleys.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word translated "chambers" in Hebrew is ʿaliyyah (עֲלִיָּה), which can refer to an upper room or loft. In this poetic context, it metaphorically represents God's elevated dwelling or the celestial regions from which rain descends, reinforcing His transcendent and sovereign position over the natural world. The term "satisfied" is from the Hebrew sabeaʿ (שָׂבֵעַ), meaning to be full, satiated, or to have enough. It conveys a sense of complete fulfillment and contentment, not just partial provision, underscoring the richness of God's blessings.
Related Scriptures
This verse beautifully illustrates God's ongoing care for His creation, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. For instance, Psalm 65:9-10 also praises God for watering the earth and making it fruitful. Jesus Himself pointed to God's provision for nature in Matthew 6:26, noting how God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, providing for them without their toil. The prophet Isaiah speaks of God's word being like the rain and snow that water the earth and make it fruitful in Isaiah 55:10-11, highlighting the life-giving power of divine action.
Practical Application
Psalm 104:13 serves as a powerful reminder of God's continuous and bountiful provision. It encourages believers to cultivate a deep sense of trust in His care, knowing that the same God who faithfully waters the hills will also provide for their needs. This verse also fosters a profound appreciation for the natural world as a testament to God's wisdom, power, and goodness. It calls us to recognize His active hand in seemingly ordinary natural processes and to respond with worship and gratitude for His unwavering sustenance of all life.