Psalms 104:16

The trees of the LORD are full [of sap]; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;

The trees {H6086} of the LORD {H3068} are full {H7646} of sap; the cedars {H730} of Lebanon {H3844}, which he hath planted {H5193};

ADONAI's trees are satisfied -the cedars of the L'vanon, which he has planted.

The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted,

The trees of Jehovah are filledwith moisture, The cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;

Psalms 104:16 presents a beautiful image of God's meticulous care for His creation, specifically highlighting the majestic trees He has brought forth and sustains.

Context

Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise to God as the glorious Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It describes various aspects of creation, from the heavens and waters to the earth, its animals, and vegetation, all dependent on God's ongoing provision. Verse 16 fits within this grand narrative, emphasizing that even the largest and most robust elements of the natural world, like the cedars, owe their vitality and existence to the Lord Himself. It underscores the psalmist's awe at God's magnificent creative work and His continuous involvement in sustaining all life.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership and Provision: The phrase "The trees of the LORD" immediately establishes that all creation belongs to God. He is not merely a distant architect but an active caretaker who ensures His creation is "full [of sap]," signifying abundant life and vitality. This highlights God's unfailing provision for all His creatures.
  • Majesty of Creation: The "cedars of Lebanon" are specifically mentioned because they were renowned for their immense size, strength, longevity, and beauty. They symbolized majesty, power, and enduring life in the ancient Near East. By noting that God "hath planted" these impressive trees, the verse underscores the grandeur and perfection of God's handiwork.
  • God's Sustaining Power: The imagery of trees "full [of sap]" (or "satisfied" in some translations) speaks to a deep, internal well-being and life force that comes directly from God. It's a testament to His continuous work in nourishing and maintaining the natural world, ensuring that even the largest and oldest trees thrive.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV adds "[of sap]" in brackets, indicating it's an interpretive addition to clarify the meaning. The Hebrew word often translated as "full" or "satisfied" (שָׂבַע - sava') suggests being abundantly watered or nourished. This implies that the trees are thriving because they are completely satisfied by God's provision. The "cedars of Lebanon" (אֶרֶז לְבָנוֹן - 'erez Lĕbānôn) were famous in biblical times and are often used as a metaphor for strength, stability, and even pride or loftiness (e.g., Isaiah 2:13). Here, however, their strength is attributed directly to God's planting and care.

Practical Application

This verse encourages us to look at the natural world with eyes of faith, recognizing God's hand in every detail. It reminds us that:

  • God is the ultimate provider: Just as He sustains the mighty cedars, He provides for all our needs. We can trust in His consistent care.
  • We are part of His creation: Like the trees, we are dependent on God for our spiritual and physical vitality. We are called to be like trees planted by the Lord, flourishing in His presence.
  • Appreciation for nature: The verse calls us to marvel at the strength and beauty of creation, seeing it as a testament to God's power and wisdom.

Ultimately, Psalms 104:16 is a powerful declaration that God is actively involved in sustaining His world, ensuring that even the grandest elements of nature thrive under His watchful eye.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Numbers 24:6

    As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, [and] as cedar trees beside the waters.

  • Psalms 92:2

    To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,

  • Ezekiel 17:23

    In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.

  • Psalms 29:5

    The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back