TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 104:10–18. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Having given glory to God as the powerful protector of this earth, in saving it from being deluged, here he comes to acknowledge him as its bountiful benefactor, who provides conveniences for all the creatures.
I.He provides fresh water for their drink:
He sends the springs into the valleys, Psa 104:10. There is water enough indeed in the sea, that is, enough to drown us, but not one drop to refresh us, be we ever so thirsty - it is all so salt; and therefore God has graciously provided water fit to drink. Naturalists dispute about the origin of fountains; but, whatever are their second causes, here is their first cause; it is God that sends the springs into the brooks, which walk by easy steps between the hills, and receive increase from the rain-water that descends from them. These give drink, not only to man, and those creatures that are immediately useful to him, but to every beast of the field (Psa 104:11); for where God has given life he provides a livelihood and takes care of all the creatures. Even the wild asses, though untameable and therefore of no use to man, are welcome to quench their thirst; and we have no reason to grudge it them, for we are better provided for, though born like the wild ass's colt. We have reason to thank God for the plenty of fair water with which he has provided the habitable part of his earth, which otherwise would not be habitable. That ought to be reckoned a great mercy the want of which would be a great affliction; and the more common it is the greater mercy it is. Usus communis aquarum - water is common for all.
II.He provides food convenient for them, both for man and beast:
The heavens drop fatness; they hear the earth, but God hears them, Hos 2:21. He waters the hills from his chambers (Psa 104:13), from those chambers spoken of (Psa 104:3), the beams of which he lays in the waters, those store-chambers, the clouds that distil fruitful showers. The hills that are not watered by the rivers, as Egypt was by the Nile, are watered by the rain from heaven, which is called the river of God (Psa 65:9), as Canaan was, Deu 11:11, Deu 11:12. Thus the earth is satisfied with the fruit of his works, either with the rain it drinks in (the earth knows when it has enough; it is a pity that any man should not) or with the products it brings forth. It is a satisfaction to the earth to bear the fruit of God's works for the benefit of man, for thus it answers the end of its creation. The food which God brings forth out of the earth (Psa 104:14) is the fruit of his works, which the earth is satisfied with. Observe how various and how valuable its products are.
1.For the cattle there is grass, and the beasts of prey, that live not on grass, feed on those that do; for man there is herb, a better sort of grass (and a dinner of herbs and roots is not to be despised); nay, he is furnished with wine, and oil, and bread, Psa 104:15. We may observe here, concerning our food, that which will help to make us both humble and thankful.
(1.)To make us humble let us consider that we have a necessary dependence upon God for all the supports of this life (we live upon alms; we are at his finding, for our own hands are not sufficient for us), - that our food comes all out of the earth, to remind us whence we ourselves were taken and whither we must return, - and that therefore we must not think to live by bread alone, for that will feed the body only, but must look into the word of God for the meat that endures to eternal life. Let us also consider that we are in this respect fellow-commoners with the beasts; the same earth, the same spot of ground, that brings grass for the cattle, brings corn for man.
(2.)To make us thankful let us consider,
[1.]That God not only provides for us, but for our servants. The cattle that are of use to man are particularly taken care of; grass is made to grow in great abundance for them, when the young lions, that are not for the service of man, often lack and suffer hunger.
[2.]That our food is nigh us, and ready to us. Having our habitation on the earth, there we have our storehouse, and depend not on the merchant-ships that bring food from afar, Pro 31:14.
[3.]That we have even from the products of the earth, not only for necessity, but for ornament and delight, so good a Master do we serve. First, Does nature call for something to support it, and repair its daily decays? Here is bread, which strengthens man's heart, and is therefore called the staff of life; let none who have that complain of want. Secondly, Does nature go further, and covet something pleasant? Here is wine, that makes glad the heart, refreshes the spirits, and exhilarates them, when it is soberly and moderately used, that we may not only go through our business, but go through it cheerfully. It is a pity that that should be abused to overcharge the heart, and unfit men for their duty, which was given to revive their heart and quicken them in their duty. Thirdly, Is nature yet more humoursome, and does it crave something for ornament too? Here is that also out of the earth - oil to make the face to shine, that the countenance may not only be cheerful but beautiful, and we may be the more acceptable to one another.
2.Nay, the divine providence not only furnishes animals with their proper food, but vegetables also with theirs (Psa 104:16): The trees of the Lord are full of sap, not only men's trees, which they take care of and have an eye to, in their orchards, and parks, and other enclosures, but God's trees, which grow in the wildernesses, and are taken care of only by his providence; they are full of sap and want no nourishment. Even the cedars of Lebanon, an open forest, though they are high and bulky, and require a great deal of sap to feed them, have enough from the earth; they are trees which he has planted, and which therefore he will protect and provide for. We may apply this to the trees of righteousness, which are the planting of the Lord, planted in his vineyard; these are full of sap, for what God plants he will water, and those that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God, Psa 92:13.
III.He takes care that they shall have suitable habitations to dwell in.
To men God has given discretion to build for themselves and for the cattle that are serviceable to them; but there are some creatures which God more immediately provides a settlement for.
1.The birds. Some birds, by instinct, make their nests in the bushes near rivers (Psa 104:12): By the springs that run among the hills some of the fowls of heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. They sing, according to their capacity, to the honour of their Creator and benefactor, and their singing may shame our silence. Our heavenly Father feeds them (Mat 6:26), and therefore they are easy and cheerful, and take no thought for the morrow. The birds being made to fly above the earth (as we find, Gen 1:20), they make their nests on high, in the tops of trees (Psa 104:17); it should seem as if nature had an eye to this in planting the cedars of Lebanon, that they might be receptacles for the birds. Those that fly heavenward shall not want resting-places. The stork is particularly mentioned; the fir-trees, which are very high, are her house, her castle.
2.The smaller sort of beasts (Psa 104:18): The wild goats, having neither strength nor swiftness to secure themselves, are guided by instinct to the high hills, which are a refuge to them; and the rabbits, which are also helpless animals, find shelter in the rocks, where they can set the beasts of prey at defiance. Does God provide thus for the inferior creatures; and will he not himself be a refuge and dwelling-place to his own people?
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"The trees of the plain shall be satisfied" [Psalm 104:16]: but with this grace, brought forth out of the earth. "The trees of the plain," are the lower orders of the nations. "And the cedars of Libanus which He has planted." The cedars of Libanus, the powerful in the world, shall themselves be filled. The bread, and wine, and oil of Christ has reached senators, nobles, kings; the trees of the plain are filled. First the humble are filled; next also the cedars of Libanus, yet those which He has planted; pious cedars, religious faithful; for such has He planted. For the ungodly also are cedars of Libanus; for, "The Lord shall break the cedars of Libanus." For Libanus is a mountain: there are those trees, even according to the letter most long-lived and most excellent. But Libanus is interpreted, as we read in those who have written of these things, a brightness: and this brightness seems to belong to this world, which at present shines and is refulgent with its pomps. There are the cedars of Libanus, which the Lord has planted; those which the Lord has planted shall be filled....
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Summary
Psalms 104:16 eloquently portrays God's meticulous and abundant provision for His creation, specifically highlighting the majestic cedars of Lebanon. This verse stands as a profound testament to the Lord's continuous involvement in sustaining the natural world, ensuring that even the largest and most enduring elements flourish under His direct, benevolent care. It thereby showcases His sovereign power, unwavering faithfulness, and intricate attention to every detail of His handiwork, inviting awe and wonder at the Creator's sustaining grace.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise, celebrating God as the glorious Creator and faithful Sustainer of the universe. It systematically unfolds God's creative acts, echoing themes found throughout the creation account in Genesis 1, but from a perspective of ongoing divine activity. The psalm begins with God's cosmic majesty (vv. 1-4), moves to the creation and ordering of the earth (vv. 5-9), then details His provision for water sources (vv. 10-13), and the vegetation that sustains both animals and humans (vv. 14-18). Verse 16, focusing on the "trees of the LORD" and "cedars of Lebanon," is nestled within this section on vegetation, immediately following verses describing God's watering of the mountains and the earth's satisfaction with the fruit of His work. It precedes descriptions of specific plants and their uses, emphasizing that even the grandest and most self-sufficient-seeming elements of nature are entirely dependent on God's direct sustenance.
Historical & Cultural Context
The "cedars of Lebanon" were legendary in the ancient Near East, renowned for their immense size, impressive height (often reaching over 100 feet), strength, fragrant wood, and remarkable longevity (some living for thousands of years). They were highly prized for construction, notably used in Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5:6) and palaces, symbolizing majesty, stability, and enduring power. Lebanon, with its high mountains, received significant rainfall and snowfall, allowing these magnificent trees to thrive. The psalmist's specific mention of these cedars underscores their symbolic weight as the epitome of natural grandeur. By stating that God "hath planted" them, the verse directly attributes their existence and flourishing to divine agency, contrasting with any human effort or naturalistic explanation, and highlighting God's power over even the most formidable aspects of nature.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 104 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Ownership and Provision, asserting that these majestic trees are "the trees of the LORD," signifying His ultimate proprietorship and active care for all creation. The phrase "full [of sap]" (or "satisfied") speaks to His abundant and continuous provision, ensuring vitality. Secondly, the verse highlights the Majesty and Grandeur of Creation, particularly through the example of the "cedars of Lebanon." These trees, symbols of strength and beauty, testify to the perfection and awe-inspiring nature of God's handiwork, reflecting His own glory. Finally, it underscores God's Sustaining Power, demonstrating that His creative act was not a one-time event but an ongoing process of nourishment and maintenance. Just as He provides for the cedars, He sustains all life, from the smallest creature to the grandest tree, ensuring that all creation thrives under His watchful and benevolent eye, as seen throughout the psalm, for example, in His provision for all living things in Psalms 104:27-28.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From its firmness, this word refers to a tree or wood. In this context, it signifies the general category of vegetation, specifically large, enduring woody plants, which are a testament to God's creative power and ongoing sustenance.
This is the self-Existent or Eternal God, the Jewish national name of God, Jehovah. Its inclusion here establishes divine ownership and agency, emphasizing that these trees are not merely natural phenomena but belong to and are cared for by the sovereign, covenant-keeping God.
This primitive root means "to sate," "to fill to satisfaction," or "to be completely full." When applied to the trees, it conveys that they are abundantly nourished, well-watered, and thriving, lacking nothing essential for robust growth. It speaks to a deep, internal well-being and vitality that comes from being completely supplied by God's provision.
Verse Breakdown
"The trees of the LORD are full [of sap];"
This opening clause declares God's proprietorship over all trees, particularly those that exhibit exceptional vitality and flourishing. The phrase "full [of sap]" (or "satisfied") conveys a state of abundant nourishment and robust health, indicating that these trees are thriving because they are completely and continually supplied by God's provision. It speaks to a deep, internal well-being and life force that originates directly from the Creator, highlighting His generous and comprehensive care for His creation.
"the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;"
This second clause specifies the "trees of the LORD" as the magnificent cedars of Lebanon, using them as a superlative example. The crucial phrase "which he hath planted" underscores God's direct, personal, and intentional involvement in their origin and continued existence. It's not that these cedars merely grew, but that the Almighty Himself established them, ensuring their majestic stature and enduring vitality. This highlights God's power to create and sustain even the grandest and most enduring elements of the natural world, emphasizing His active role in the flourishing of all life.
Literary Devices
The psalmist masterfully employs several literary devices in Psalms 104:16 to convey God's magnificent creative and sustaining power. Imagery is central, painting a vivid picture of robust, thriving trees, particularly the iconic cedars, which evoke a sense of grandeur, strength, and longevity. The phrase "full [of sap]" (or "satisfied") uses personification, attributing human-like contentment and satiation to the trees, thereby emphasizing the completeness of God's provision for them as living entities. The specific mention of "cedars of Lebanon" serves as a form of synecdoche or metonymy, where these most renowned and majestic trees stand in for all of God's magnificent, divinely sustained creation. This specific example also functions as hyperbole or emphasis, using the most impressive example to underscore the boundless extent of God's care and power—if He sustains these giants, how much more does He sustain all other life? The very structure, moving from the general "trees of the LORD" to the specific "cedars of Lebanon," creates a sense of escalating wonder and focused admiration for God's handiwork.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 104:16 profoundly speaks to the doctrine of creatio continua, or God's ongoing act of sustaining His creation. It asserts that God is not merely a distant architect who set the world in motion and then withdrew, but an intimately involved and active Provider who continually nourishes and maintains every aspect of His handiwork. The flourishing of the cedars, therefore, is not merely a natural phenomenon but a direct testament to God's faithfulness and benevolent power. This verse invites us to see the natural world not as a self-sufficient entity, but as a vibrant, dependent witness to God's ceaseless care, reminding us that all life, from the smallest blade of grass to the most towering tree, draws its vitality from Him. It reinforces the biblical truth that all creation exists for His glory and is upheld by His mighty hand.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 104:16 calls us to a deeper appreciation of God's sovereign care, not just for humanity, but for the entirety of His creation. Just as the majestic cedars of Lebanon are "full [of sap]" because the Lord Himself "hath planted" them and continually provides for them, so too are we, as His image-bearers, utterly dependent on His divine provision for our physical and spiritual vitality. This verse encourages us to cultivate eyes of faith, recognizing God's active hand in the natural world around us, from the smallest seed to the grandest mountain range. It fosters a sense of trust, knowing that the God who meticulously sustains the mightiest trees will surely provide for our every need, both temporal and eternal. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider our own spiritual health: are we, like the cedars, deeply rooted and "satisfied" by the Lord, drawing our life and flourishing from His presence and His Word? This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true life and flourishing come only from being planted and sustained by the Lord.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are "cedars of Lebanon" specifically mentioned in this verse?
The "cedars of Lebanon" are specifically mentioned because they were renowned in the ancient world for their exceptional size, strength, longevity, and beauty. They stood as symbols of majesty, power, and enduring life. By highlighting these particular trees, the psalmist emphasizes that even the most formidable and impressive elements of the natural world are not self-sufficient but are directly planted and sustained by God. This choice underscores the immense scope of God's creative and sustaining power, demonstrating that His care extends to the grandest and most seemingly independent parts of creation. Their mention elevates the praise, showcasing God's ability to provide abundantly for even the most magnificent of His works, as also seen in their symbolic use in other biblical texts like Isaiah 2:13.
What does "full [of sap]" truly mean in this context?
The King James Version's addition of "[of sap]" in brackets is an interpretive clarification. The underlying Hebrew word, sav'u (from the root שָׂבַע, sava‘), means "to be satisfied," "to be sated," or "to be filled." In the context of trees, it implies that they are abundantly nourished, well-watered, and thriving, completely supplied with everything necessary for their robust growth and vitality. It's not merely about the physical liquid within them but a comprehensive state of well-being and flourishing that comes directly from God's continuous and bountiful provision. This signifies a deep, internal contentment and life force, indicating that the trees lack nothing because they are fully sustained by the Lord.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 104:16, with its depiction of God's sovereign sustenance of creation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one through whom all things were made (John 1:3), but also the one who actively sustains all things by the word of His power (Colossians 1:17 and Hebrews 1:3). The "trees of the LORD" being "full [of sap]" because He "hath planted" them points to Christ as the true source of all life and flourishing. He is the living water that truly satisfies (John 4:14), the vine from whom all branches draw their life and fruitfulness (John 15:5), and the one who gives abundant life (John 10:10). Just as the cedars thrive by divine provision, believers are called to be rooted in Christ, drawing their spiritual "sap" and vitality from Him, enabling them to flourish and bear fruit for God's glory, becoming like the blessed man "planted by streams of water" in Psalms 1:3.