Psalms 104:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He watereth {H8248} the hills {H2022} from his chambers {H5944}: the earth {H776} is satisfied {H7646} with the fruit {H6529} of thy works {H4639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You water the mountains from your palace; the earth is satisfied with how you provide

Berean Standard Bible

He waters the mountains from His chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of His works.

American Standard Version

He watereth the mountains from his chambers: The earth is filled with the fruit of thy works.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:13 powerfully portrays God as the sovereign and benevolent sustainer of creation, detailing His active role in providing life-giving water to the highest elevations of the earth. From His celestial "chambers," He orchestrates the meteorological phenomena that nourish the land, ensuring abundant growth and fruitfulness. This divine provision leads to a profound sense of satisfaction and completeness throughout the natural world, testifying to the wisdom, power, and generosity inherent in all His creative and sustaining works.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise dedicated to Yahweh as the glorious Creator and faithful Sustainer of the cosmos. It functions as a poetic echo of the creation narrative found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), systematically detailing God's meticulous design and ongoing provision for every aspect of His universe. Within this grand theological poem, verse 13 specifically falls within a section (verses 10-18) that elaborates on God's provision for the earth's vegetation and the diverse creatures dependent upon it. It builds upon the preceding verses that describe God making springs gush forth into valleys and flow among the hills, providing drink for wild beasts and quenching the thirst of wild asses, thereby setting the stage for the broader nourishment of the land itself.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the control of weather phenomena, particularly rain, was universally attributed to divine powers. Societies were predominantly agrarian, making rainfall an indispensable and often precarious element for survival and prosperity. The concept of divine "chambers" or "storehouses" for rain, wind, and snow was a common theological motif, reflecting a worldview where meteorological events were direct manifestations of a deity's power and will. For the Israelites, this belief was uniquely monotheistic; Yahweh alone held sovereign control over the heavens and earth, distinguishing Him from the capricious and often localized deities of surrounding cultures. The imagery in Psalms 104:13 thus underscores God's absolute authority and His active, personal involvement in the natural cycles that sustain life, a stark contrast to the polytheistic understandings of their neighbors.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 104 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, highlighting God's continuous and active role as the ultimate provider for all life. He is not a distant architect but an intimately involved sustainer, ensuring the flourishing of the natural world. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereignty Over Nature**, particularly His absolute control over atmospheric phenomena. The "chambers" metaphorically represent God's celestial dwelling and the source from which He directs the life-giving rains, demonstrating His immense power and authority over creation, a theme echoed in passages like [Job 38:22](/job/38-22 "Job 38:22 - God's Storehouses of Snow and Hail"). Finally, the phrase "the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works" underscores the themes of **Abundance and Satisfaction**. God's provision is not merely sufficient but generous, leading to complete fulfillment and contentment within His creation, reflecting His boundless goodness and ensuring that His creation lacks nothing vital for its flourishing, as seen in [Psalm 65:9-13](/psalms/65 "Psalm 65 - God's Goodness in Nature").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chambers (Hebrew, _ʿaliyyah'_):** This term literally refers to an "upper room," "loft," or "roof chamber." In a poetic and theological context, as here in Psalms 104:13, it metaphorically signifies God's elevated dwelling or the celestial regions from which rain and other atmospheric phenomena originate. It conveys the idea of a divine storehouse or reservoir in the heavens, from which God sovereignly dispenses the elements necessary for life on earth, reinforcing His transcendent and authoritative position over the natural world.
* **Satisfied (Hebrew, _sabeaʿ'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be full" or "to be satiated," this word conveys a profound sense of completeness, contentment, and abundance. It implies not merely enough, but more than enough—a state of being fully provided for, with no remaining need or desire. In the context of the earth, it signifies that God's watering leads to such prolific growth and fruitfulness that the land itself, and by extension all its inhabitants, experiences a deep and abiding fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He watereth the hills from his chambers":** This opening clause vividly depicts God as the active agent of meteorological provision. The "hills" represent the elevated, often arid, and seemingly inaccessible parts of the land, emphasizing the comprehensive reach of God's care—even the highest and most remote areas receive His life-giving moisture. The phrase "from his chambers" employs a powerful anthropomorphic metaphor, portraying God as residing in a celestial dwelling from which He orchestrates and dispenses rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation. This imagery underscores His transcendent sovereignty and the deliberate, purposeful nature of His provision, not as a random occurrence but as a direct act of divine will.
* **"the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works":** This second clause describes the profound outcome of God's watering. The "earth" here encompasses all land, vegetation, and by extension, the living creatures dependent on it. "Satisfied" conveys a state of complete fulfillment and abundance, indicating that God's provision is not meager but overflowing, leading to a flourishing ecosystem. "The fruit of thy works" refers to the bountiful produce of the earth—the crops, plants, and verdant landscapes—which are directly attributed to God's ongoing creative and sustaining activity. This highlights the intrinsic connection between divine action and the flourishing of creation, affirming God's goodness and the sufficiency of His provision.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 104:13 is rich with evocative literary devices that enhance its theological message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "He watereth... from his chambers," attributing human-like actions (watering from a dwelling) to God, making His divine activity more relatable and comprehensible. The concept of "chambers" itself functions as a potent **metaphor**, representing not a literal physical space but the celestial, transcendent source of God's sovereign control over atmospheric phenomena. Furthermore, the phrase "the earth is satisfied" employs **personification**, imbuing the inanimate earth with the human capacity for contentment and fulfillment. This device vividly communicates the profound and complete impact of God's abundant provision, suggesting that the entire creation responds with a deep sense of well-being and flourishing due to His benevolent works.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 104:13 stands as a profound theological statement on God's active and benevolent involvement in His creation. It asserts that God is not merely a distant architect who set the world in motion, but an intimately engaged sustainer who continuously provides for the needs of all life. This verse underscores the absolute dependence of creation upon its Creator for sustenance and flourishing. It highlights the goodness and generosity of God, whose works bring forth not just survival, but abundance and satisfaction. The imagery of God watering the hills from His "chambers" emphasizes His transcendent sovereignty over all natural processes, reminding humanity that even the most fundamental elements of life, like rain, are direct manifestations of His divine will and care. This theological truth cultivates a posture of worship and trust, recognizing God as the ultimate source of all provision.
* [Psalms 65:9-10](/psalms/65-9 "Psalm 65:9-10 - God Waters the Earth")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Feeds the Birds")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Like Rain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 104:13 offers a profound invitation to trust and gratitude in the face of life's uncertainties. In a world often characterized by anxieties over resources and provision, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that the same God who faithfully waters the highest hills and ensures the satisfaction of the earth is intimately concerned with the needs of His children. It encourages us to cultivate a deep awareness of God's active hand in the seemingly ordinary processes of life—from the rain that nourishes our crops to the air we breathe—fostering a posture of continuous worship and dependence. Furthermore, it calls us to a renewed appreciation for the natural world, not merely as a resource to be exploited, but as a vibrant testament to God's wisdom, power, and boundless generosity, prompting us to be good stewards of His magnificent creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the direct provider of rain and natural abundance impact your understanding of daily provision?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a deeper sense of "satisfaction" in God's works, even amidst personal challenges or perceived lack?**
* **How might this verse inspire a greater sense of gratitude for the natural world and encourage responsible stewardship of the earth?**

### FAQ
**What are God's "chambers" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In Psalms 104:13, God's "chambers" (Hebrew: _ʿaliyyah_) are a poetic and metaphorical representation of His celestial dwelling or the heavenly storehouses from which He controls and dispenses atmospheric phenomena like rain, snow, and wind. This imagery is common in ancient Near Eastern thought, but for the psalmist, it uniquely attributes absolute sovereignty over weather to Yahweh alone. It signifies that God is not only transcendent, residing in the heavens, but also intimately involved in the physical processes of the earth, purposefully sending forth the life-giving waters that sustain creation. It reinforces His ultimate authority over the natural world, as seen in passages like [Job 38:22-23](/job/38-22 "Job 38:22-23 - God's Storehouses of Snow and Hail") where God speaks of His "treasures of the snow" and "hail."

**How is the "earth satisfied" by God's works?**

Answer: The phrase "the earth is satisfied" (Hebrew: _sabeaʿ_) indicates a state of complete fulfillment, abundance, and contentment. When God "watereth the hills from his chambers," He provides such generous and sufficient moisture that the land flourishes, producing abundant "fruit"—meaning all forms of vegetation, crops, and verdant growth. This leads to a state where the earth, and all life dependent on it, lacks nothing essential for its thriving. It speaks to the comprehensive and benevolent nature of God's provision, ensuring not just survival, but flourishing and well-being for His creation. This satisfaction is a direct result of God's active "works" in sustaining the natural order, demonstrating His goodness and faithfulness in providing for all that He has made, a theme echoed in [Psalm 145:16](/psalms/145-16 "Psalm 145:16 - God Satisfies Every Living Thing").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 104:13 celebrates God's providential care in creation, its echoes resonate profoundly in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of divine provision. Just as God waters the hills from His chambers to satisfy the earth, so too does Christ provide the spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies the human soul. He declared Himself to be the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"), promising that whoever drinks of Him will never thirst again, a far deeper satisfaction than physical water can offer. He is also the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), given from heaven to nourish and sustain eternal life, fulfilling the spiritual hunger that no earthly "fruit of works" can sate. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ became the ultimate "fruit of God's works" for humanity, providing reconciliation, redemption, and eternal life. His ongoing work through the Holy Spirit continues to "water" and satisfy the spiritual landscape of believers, enabling them to bear fruit for God's glory, transforming barrenness into spiritual abundance, and demonstrating that in Him, all things hold together and find their true purpose, as affirmed in [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer").

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 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,