Psalms 104:14

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

He causeth the grass {H2682} to grow {H6779} for the cattle {H929}, and herb {H6212} for the service {H5656} of man {H120}: that he may bring forth {H3318} food {H3899} out of the earth {H776};

You grow grass for the cattle; and for people you grow the plants they need to bring forth bread from the earth,

He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth:

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, And herb for the service of man; That he may bring forth food out of the earth,

Commentary

Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise to God as the Creator and sustainer of the universe, echoing themes found in the creation accounts of Genesis. This psalm paints a vivid picture of God's wisdom and power displayed in the natural world, from the heavens to the deep seas, and specifically, His meticulous care for all living things. Verse 14 focuses on God's provision for both animals and humans through the vegetation of the earth.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Sustenance: This verse highlights God's active and continuous role in providing for His creation. He makes the earth productive, ensuring that both animals and humans have what they need to survive. The "grass for the cattle" shows His care for the animal kingdom, while "herb for the service of man" underscores His specific, intentional provision for humanity's needs. This theme of God's faithful provision is central throughout Scripture, reminding us that He cares even for the birds of the air, and how much more for His human children.
  • Order and Purpose in Creation: Every element of creation, from the smallest blade of grass to the most useful herb, serves a divine purpose within God's grand design. God's wisdom ensures an intricate balance where each part contributes to the flourishing of life. This verse emphasizes the direct connection between the fertility of the earth and the sustenance of its inhabitants, a testament to God's intelligent and purposeful design.
  • Dependence on God's Ongoing Care: The phrase "He causeth" emphasizes that this provision is not a one-time event but an ongoing act of God's grace and faithfulness. The earth's ability to produce food is not inherent but a direct result of God's continuous working and blessing. This underscores our complete dependence on the Creator for our daily bread and, indeed, for all life.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "grass" here is ื—ึธืฆึดื™ืจ (chatsir), a general term for green vegetation, suitable for grazing animals. "Herb" is ืขึตืฉื‚ึถื‘ (eseb), referring to plants, often those cultivated or specifically useful for humans. The phrase "bring forth food out of the earth" uses ืœึถื—ึถื (lechem) for food, which commonly means 'bread' but is used broadly here to signify all forms of sustenance derived from the ground. This highlights the direct link between the land's produce and the sustenance of all life.

Contextual Significance

Psalm 104 is often seen as a poetic retelling and expansion of the Genesis creation narrative, particularly resonating with Genesis 1:11-12 where God commands the earth to bring forth grass and herbs. It moves beyond the initial act of creation to celebrate God's ongoing involvement and faithful maintenance of the world He made. This verse specifically grounds the grand declarations of God's power in the practical, daily reality of food provision, demonstrating His intimate and personal care for His creatures.

Practical Application

This verse invites us to:

  • Cultivate Gratitude: Recognize and appreciate God's constant provision in our daily lives. The food on our tables, the plants around us, and the sustenance for animals are all direct gifts from His hand, prompting a spirit of thanksgiving.
  • Practice Stewardship: Understand that the earth's resources are a trust from God. We are called to be responsible stewards of the land and its productivity, ensuring its health and fruitfulness for future generations, as part of our worship and obedience to the Creator.
  • Trust in God's Faithfulness: Be reminded that the same God who faithfully causes the grass to grow and brings forth food from the earth is trustworthy in all areas of our lives. This provides a solid foundation for faith, knowing that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory, just as He sustains the entire natural world.
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Cross-References

  • Job 28:5 (9 votes)

    [As for] the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire.

  • Psalms 136:25 (9 votes)

    Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

  • Psalms 147:8 (9 votes)

    Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

  • Psalms 147:9 (9 votes)

    He giveth to the beast his food, [and] to the young ravens which cry.

  • Genesis 9:3 (6 votes)

    Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.

  • Psalms 145:15 (6 votes)

    The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

  • Psalms 145:16 (6 votes)

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