Psalms 104:18

KJV

The high hills [are] a refuge for the wild goats; [and] the rocks for the conies.

KJV (with Strong's)

The high {H1364} hills {H2022} are a refuge {H4268} for the wild goats {H3277}; and the rocks {H5553} for the conies {H8227}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the wild goats there are the high mountains, while the coneys find refuge in the rocks.

Berean Standard Bible

The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers.

American Standard Version

The high mountains are for the wild goats; The rocks are a refuge for the conies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:18 beautifully illustrates God's meticulous wisdom and benevolent provision for all His creation, specifically highlighting how He has designed and provided perfectly suited habitats for diverse forms of life. This verse serves as a testament to the Creator's intricate care, demonstrating that even the seemingly wild and untamed corners of the earth are precisely ordered and sustained by divine design, ensuring refuge and sustenance for creatures like the wild goats and conies in their natural, rugged environments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise, often referred to as a "creation psalm," that systematically extols God's power, wisdom, and ongoing sustenance of the natural world. It parallels the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), moving from the cosmic (God's garment of light, the heavens, the waters) to the terrestrial (earth's foundations, springs, trees, and their inhabitants). Verse 18 is situated within a section (verses 10-18) that focuses on God's provision of water and vegetation for all living things—from wild donkeys to birds and trees—culminating in the specific provision of refuge for mountain-dwelling creatures. This progression emphasizes God's comprehensive and detailed care for every aspect of His creation, from the grandest to the most minute.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalmist, likely an Israelite living in a land of diverse topography, would have been intimately familiar with the rugged landscapes of the Judean wilderness, the mountains of Galilee, and the rocky regions bordering the Dead Sea. These areas were home to the wild goats (ibex) and conies (hyrax), creatures known for their agility and ability to thrive in challenging, elevated terrain. The imagery of "high hills" and "rocks" as "refuge" would resonate deeply with a people who often sought literal refuge in such natural fortresses during times of conflict or danger, making the divine provision for animals a powerful metaphor for God's protection over His people. The observation of animal behavior and habitat was a common theme in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, often used to illustrate divine order and wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 104 and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, showcasing God's active role in maintaining the life He created, not merely initiating it. He provides not just food and water, but also suitable and safe dwelling places. Secondly, it highlights **God's Wisdom in Creation**, demonstrating an intelligent design where each creature is perfectly adapted to its environment, reflecting the Creator's profound foresight and meticulous attention to detail, as seen in the intricate balance of the natural world described in [Proverbs 3:19](/proverbs/3-19 "Proverbs 3:19 - God's Wisdom in Creation"). Thirdly, the concept of "refuge" points to **Security and Protection**, portraying God as the ultimate provider of safety for all life, mirroring His role as a [fortress and deliverer](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God My Rock and My Fortress") for His people, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wild goats (Hebrew, _ya'elim'_):** This term specifically refers to the **ibex** (Capra ibex nubiana), a species of wild goat native to the mountainous regions of the Middle East. The ibex is renowned for its remarkable agility, powerful horns, and ability to navigate and thrive on extremely steep, rocky, and high-altitude terrain. The psalmist's choice of this specific animal highlights the perfect match between creature and habitat, emphasizing God's precise design in providing the "high hills" as an ideal, secure refuge for them.
* **Conies (Hebrew, _shephannim'_):** This word denotes the **hyrax** or rock badger (Procavia capensis), a small, herbivorous mammal that, despite its appearance, is genetically closer to elephants and manatees than to rodents or rabbits. Hyraxes are known for their habit of dwelling in colonies within rock crevices, caves, and cliff faces, where they find safety from predators. Their mention alongside the ibex further emphasizes God's provision of specific, secure dwelling places even for smaller, seemingly vulnerable creatures, making the "rocks" their natural fortress. [Proverbs 30:26](/proverbs/30-26 "Proverbs 30:26 - The Wisdom of the Hyrax") also notes the hyrax's wisdom in seeking refuge in the rocks.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The high hills [are] a refuge for the wild goats":** This clause establishes the first part of God's specific provision. The "high hills" (הָרִים הַגְּבֹהִים, _harim hag'vohim'_) are not merely elevated land but rugged, often inaccessible mountainous regions. For the ibex, these formidable heights are not an obstacle but a divinely appointed "refuge" (מַחְסֶה, _machseh'_), a place of safety and protection from predators and harsh elements. This highlights God's intentional design, where the very challenges of the landscape become the means of security for these creatures.
* **"[and] the rocks for the conies":** This second clause completes the parallel structure, reinforcing the theme of specific, tailored provision. The "rocks" (סְלָעִים, _s'la'im'_) refer to cliffs, boulders, and rocky outcrops, which serve as the ideal "refuge" for the smaller, less agile hyraxes. Their ability to hide and nest within the intricate network of rock crevices ensures their survival. The conjunction "and" links these two distinct yet complementary examples, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's care across different scales of creation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two balanced clauses, "The high hills [are] a refuge for the wild goats; [and] the rocks for the conies." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central message of divine provision and refuge, using different examples to convey the same truth. **Metaphor** is subtly present as the "high hills" and "rocks" are not just physical locations but are implicitly presented as God's designed fortresses, providing a sense of security and inviolability. The choice of specific, well-known animals (ibex and hyrax) that perfectly embody the concept of finding refuge in their respective environments also functions as **Synecdoche**, where these particular creatures represent all of creation that finds its appropriate dwelling and safety through God's design. The verse's concise and evocative imagery also contributes to its **Poetic Economy**, conveying profound theological truths with minimal words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 104:18 profoundly underscores the biblical doctrine of God's meticulous providence, extending His benevolent care not only to humanity but to all living creatures. It reveals a Creator who is intimately involved in the details of His creation, designing specific environments to perfectly suit the needs of the animals inhabiting them. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's wisdom is not only evident in the grand cosmic order but also in the intricate, often unseen, provisions for the smallest and wildest of His creatures, assuring their survival and flourishing within their designated habitats. It invites us to recognize and marvel at the divine order and intentionality woven into the fabric of the natural world.

* [Job 39:1-8](/job/39-1 "Job 39:1-8 - God's Care for Wild Animals")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Feeds the Birds")
* [Psalm 147:9](/psalms/147-9 "Psalm 147:9 - God Provides for Young Ravens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though seemingly focused on wild animals, offers profound spiritual lessons for human beings. If God so meticulously provides for the wild goats and conies, ensuring their safety and sustenance in their challenging habitats, how much more does He care for humanity, made in His image and likeness? It serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety and fear, inviting us to trust in God's unfailing provision and protection in our own lives. Just as He designed perfect refuges for these creatures, He is our ultimate refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. This should inspire a deep sense of gratitude and wonder for the Creator's wisdom and benevolence, encouraging us to look at the natural world not just as a collection of resources, but as a vibrant testament to God's ongoing, active care. It challenges us to cultivate a similar attentiveness and care for the world around us, recognizing its divine origin and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous care for wild animals in this verse deepen your understanding of His providence in your own life?**
* **In what "high hills" or "rocks" (metaphorically speaking) do you seek refuge, and how does this verse encourage you to trust in God as your ultimate dwelling place?**
* **What aspects of the natural world around you reflect God's wisdom and provision, and how can you cultivate a greater appreciation for them?**

### FAQ
**What are "conies" and why are they mentioned with "wild goats"?**

Answer: The "conies" in the King James Version refer to the **hyrax** (Hebrew: *shephannim*), a small, rabbit-like mammal native to the Middle East and Africa. Despite their appearance, they are not rodents but are more closely related to elephants. They are known for living in rocky crevices and cliffs, where they find safety and shelter. They are mentioned alongside "wild goats" (specifically, the ibex) to illustrate God's comprehensive and tailored provision for different creatures within their specific, often rugged, habitats. Both animals are perfectly adapted to finding refuge in mountainous, rocky terrain, highlighting God's wisdom in designing both the creatures and their environments. [Proverbs 30:26](/proverbs/30-26 "Proverbs 30:26 - The Hyrax's Wisdom") also points to the hyrax's wisdom in seeking safety in the rocks.

**How does this verse relate to God's care for humans?**

Answer: This verse, by demonstrating God's meticulous and specific provision for wild animals, serves as an *a fortiori* argument for His care for humanity. If God provides such intricate refuge and sustenance for creatures that do not worry or toil, how much more will He provide for human beings, who are made in His image and are the pinnacle of His creation? Jesus Himself uses a similar argument in the New Testament, pointing to God's care for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field to encourage His disciples not to worry about their lives ([Matthew 6:26-30](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26-30 - Do Not Worry")). The psalmist's observation of God's universal providence assures us that our heavenly Father knows our needs and provides for us, both physically and spiritually, acting as our ultimate refuge and strength ([Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 104:18 celebrates God's providential care in creation, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. The wisdom and meticulous design evident in providing refuge for wild goats and conies point to the infinitely greater wisdom and provision embodied in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one through whom all things were created ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator of All")), but also the one who sustains all things by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). Just as the high hills and rocks offer a physical refuge, Christ Himself is the spiritual refuge for all who are lost and without a home. He declared, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me")). He is the ultimate "rock" upon whom His church is built ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock")), offering an eternal, unshakeable sanctuary that far surpasses any earthly dwelling. Through His atoning work, He provides not just physical sustenance, but spiritual life and eternal security, becoming the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a refuge from the judgment to come and a dwelling place in the very presence of God.

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

Proverbs 30:26

The conies [are but] a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

Job 39:1

¶ Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? [or] canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?

Leviticus 11:5

And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he [is] unclean unto you.

1 Samuel 24:2

Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

Deuteronomy 14:7

Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; [as] the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; [therefore] they [are] unclean unto you.