Psalms 104:19

KJV

¶ He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.

KJV (with Strong's)

He appointed {H6213} the moon {H3394} for seasons {H4150}: the sun {H8121} knoweth {H3045} his going down {H3996}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set.

Berean Standard Bible

He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set.

American Standard Version

He appointed the moon for seasons: The sun knoweth his going down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:19 stands as a profound declaration of God's meticulous and purposeful design in the cosmos, specifically highlighting His sovereign orchestration of the celestial bodies. It celebrates the divine wisdom that established the moon to govern the appointed times and seasons, and the sun to faithfully complete its daily course, thereby underscoring the inherent order, reliability, and intentionality woven into the fabric of creation by the Almighty Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise, widely recognized as a poetic meditation on the creation account found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). It systematically surveys God's creative work, moving from the heavens (light, waters, clouds) in verses 1-9, to the earth's features (springs, trees, mountains) in verses 10-18, and then specifically to the celestial bodies in verses 19-23. This verse, therefore, is situated within a broader narrative arc that extols God as the active and benevolent Sustainer of all life, demonstrating His ongoing engagement with His creation. It transitions from the grand cosmic elements to the daily rhythms that govern life on earth, preparing the reader for the subsequent sections that describe the provision for animals and humans.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, celestial bodies were often deified and worshipped as gods. However, the Israelite worldview, as expressed in Psalms 104, radically contrasts this by presenting the moon and sun not as deities, but as created instruments entirely subject to the one true God's command and purpose. The concept of "seasons" (Hebrew: _mo'adim_) carried significant weight, referring not only to agricultural seasons but also, crucially, to the divinely appointed festivals and sacred times (e.g., Passover, Tabernacles) that structured Israel's religious calendar, which was largely lunar-based. The predictability of the sun's setting was a fundamental aspect of daily life, marking the end of the workday and the beginning of rest, reinforcing the reliability of God's order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout Psalm 104 and indeed, the entire biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Order**, presenting God not as a distant architect but as the immanent ruler who actively "appoints" and directs the universe's operations, ensuring its harmonious functioning. Secondly, the **Purposefulness of Creation** is evident; the celestial bodies are not random but serve specific, divinely ordained functions, particularly in marking time and seasons, as also articulated in [Genesis 1:14](/genesis/1-14 "Genesis 1:14 - Lights for Signs and Seasons"). Thirdly, it highlights **God's Wisdom and Power**, as the intricate design and reliable, predictable cycles of the moon and sun bear witness to an intelligent and omnipotent Creator. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Provision and Sustaining Care**, as these celestial rhythms are essential for life on earth, enabling agriculture, daily routines, and the very rhythm of existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appointed (Hebrew, עָשָׂה, _'asah'_):** This versatile verb means "to make, do, create, appoint, establish." In this context, it signifies a deliberate, intentional, and authoritative act of God. It is not merely that the moon came into existence, but that God actively "appointed" or "ordained" its specific function within the cosmic order. This emphasizes God's purposeful design and sovereign control over creation, rather than a passive observation of natural processes.
* **Seasons (Hebrew, מוֹעֲדִים, _mo'adim'_):** This plural noun refers to "appointed times, fixed festivals, sacred assemblies, or seasons." While it certainly includes the natural agricultural seasons, its broader theological meaning encompasses the annual cycle of Israel's religious festivals (e.g., Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles). The moon's phases were crucial for calculating these sacred times, underscoring its role not just in natural order but in the divine calendar of redemption and worship.
* **Knoweth (Hebrew, יָדַע, _yada'_):** This verb means "to know, perceive, understand, recognize." When applied to the sun, it is an anthropomorphism, attributing human-like awareness or consciousness to an inanimate celestial body. This literary device emphasizes the sun's absolute and unwavering obedience to God's command. The sun "knows" its precise schedule and adheres to it without fail, not by its own will, but because it is perfectly programmed and directed by its Creator.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He appointed the moon for seasons":** This clause establishes God's direct and intentional action in setting the moon's purpose. The moon is not a random occurrence but a divinely ordained instrument. Its primary function, "for seasons" (_mo'adim_), speaks to its role in marking time, particularly the recurring cycles of natural seasons (planting, harvest) and, significantly, the divinely mandated religious festivals that structured Israelite life and worship. This highlights God's ordering of both the natural world and the sacred calendar, demonstrating His comprehensive sovereignty.
* **"the sun knoweth his going down":** This second clause shifts focus to the sun, employing a vivid anthropomorphism. The sun is portrayed as a sentient being that "knows" its appointed time for setting. This personification powerfully conveys the sun's absolute reliability and perfect obedience to God's command. It rises and sets with unfailing precision, not by its own power or will, but because it is perfectly aligned with and responsive to the Creator's decree. This emphasizes the unwavering consistency of God's cosmic laws and His active governance over daily rhythms.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human qualities to inanimate objects. Specifically, the sun is depicted as "knowing" its going down, as if it possesses conscious awareness and adheres to a schedule. This is not meant to imply the sun literally has a mind, but rather to emphasize its absolute and unwavering obedience to God's command. The effect is to highlight the perfect order and reliability of God's creation, where even the most powerful celestial bodies operate with unfailing precision according to His will. There is also an implicit **Parallelism** between the moon and the sun, both serving God's purposes in marking time, even though their specific functions (seasons vs. daily cycle) differ. This creates a sense of cosmic harmony and comprehensive divine governance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 104:19 profoundly underscores the biblical truth that God is not merely the Creator but also the active Sustainer of the universe, upholding all things by the word of His power. The predictable cycles of the moon and sun are not random natural phenomena but are divinely appointed mechanisms that testify to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous design. This cosmic order serves as a tangible sign of God's reliability, assuring humanity that the God who governs the heavens with such precision can be trusted to fulfill His covenant promises and maintain His moral order. The very rhythm of day and night, and the turning of seasons, are constant, silent sermons on the Creator's wisdom, power, and enduring care for His creation.

* [Genesis 1:14](/genesis/1-14 "Genesis 1:14 - God Creates Lights for Signs and Seasons")
* [Jeremiah 33:20-21](/jeremiah/33-20 "Jeremiah 33:20-21 - God's Covenant with Day and Night")
* [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound order and reliability evident in the celestial movements described in Psalms 104:19 offer a powerful anchor for our faith in a world often characterized by chaos and uncertainty. Just as we can depend on the sun to set and the moon to mark the passage of time and seasons with unfailing regularity, so too can we trust in the unchanging character and unwavering faithfulness of the God who established these cosmic laws. This verse invites us to pause and reflect on the intricate wisdom of our Creator, whose meticulous attention to detail extends from the vastness of the cosmos to the minutiae of our individual lives. It encourages us to live with an awareness of God's sovereign hand in all things, finding peace in His consistent provision and guidance. Our lives, too, can find rhythm and purpose when aligned with His divine order, trusting that the God who orchestrates the heavens also orchestrates our steps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the consistent order of creation, as described in this verse, strengthen your trust in God's faithfulness in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "appointed times" (mo'adim) challenge or inform your understanding of how God orders both natural and spiritual life?**
* **What specific areas of your life could benefit from a greater recognition of God's sovereign design and dependable provision?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that the sun and moon have consciousness?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that the sun and moon possess actual consciousness or independent will. The phrase "the sun knoweth his going down" is a literary device known as anthropomorphism. This is a common poetic technique in the Bible where human qualities (like knowing, seeing, hearing) are attributed to non-human entities, including God Himself (e.g., God's "arm" or "ear"). The purpose here is not to suggest sentience in the sun, but rather to emphasize its absolute and unwavering obedience to God's command. It highlights the perfect order and reliability of God's creation, demonstrating that the sun performs its function with such precision that it's as if it "knows" exactly what it's supposed to do, all by divine decree. This reinforces the Creator's meticulous design and sovereign control over all aspects of His universe, as also seen in [Job 38:12](/job/38-12 "Job 38:12 - God's Question to Job about the Dawn").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 104:19, with its declaration of God's sovereign appointment of celestial bodies for seasons and the sun's faithful obedience, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one through whom the Father created all things, but the very Word by whom all things are sustained and held together. As [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") proclaims, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth... all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." The orderly cycles of the moon and sun, which testify to God's faithfulness, are upheld by the very Son who is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). Furthermore, the "seasons" (_mo'adim_) appointed by the moon, which included Israel's sacred festivals, foreshadowed the redemptive work of Christ. These feasts were "a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ" ([Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - The Shadow and the Substance")). The unfailing light of the sun, which knows its going down, points to Christ as the true "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), whose coming banished the darkness of sin and whose light shines eternally, never to "go down." Thus, the cosmic order described in Psalm 104:19 is a beautiful testament to the power, wisdom, and faithfulness of the God who, in Christ, orchestrates not only the heavens but also the entire plan of salvation.

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

Genesis 1:14

¶ And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

Genesis 1:18

And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that [it was] good.

Jeremiah 31:35

¶ Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, [and] the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts [is] his name:

Psalms 136:7

To him that made great lights: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

Psalms 136:9

The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 19:6

His going forth [is] from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

Job 38:12

¶ Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; [and] caused the dayspring to know his place;