Psalms 104:20

KJV

Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep [forth].

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou makest {H7896} darkness {H2822}, and it is night {H3915}: wherein all the beasts {H2416} of the forest {H3293} do creep {H7430} forth.

Complete Jewish Bible

You bring darkness, and it is night, the time when all forest animals prowl.

Berean Standard Bible

You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the beasts of the forest prowl.

American Standard Version

Thou makest darkness, and it is night, Wherein all the beasts of the forest creep forth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:20 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and purposeful ordering of creation, specifically highlighting His sovereign control over the cycle of day and night. It reveals that darkness is not merely an absence of light but a divinely appointed period, during which the nocturnal creatures of the forest emerge to fulfill their God-ordained activities, showcasing His continuous and comprehensive provision for all living things and the intricate balance of His designed world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise to God as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe, often paralleled with the foundational [creation account](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). The psalm systematically surveys God's creative wisdom, moving from the heavens and earth to the waters, vegetation, and various forms of life. Verses 10-19 describe the provision of water, food, and habitats for creatures during the day, emphasizing God's benevolent care for all living things. Psalms 104:20 marks a significant transition in the psalm's narrative flow, shifting from the activities of daylight to the realm of night. This shift demonstrates God's complete and continuous control over both cycles, establishing the divinely ordained rhythm of the cosmos. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which continue to describe the nocturnal activities and the return to rest at dawn, emphasizing the continuous rhythm of life orchestrated by the Creator.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, darkness was frequently associated with chaos, danger, or the unknown, often feared as a time when malevolent forces might hold sway. However, within the biblical worldview, as powerfully expressed in [Genesis 1:3-5](/genesis/1-3-5 "Genesis 1:3-5 - God Creates Light and Darkness"), darkness is not merely the absence of light but a created entity, subject to God's command and imbued with His purpose. Psalms 104:20 reinforces this by stating, "Thou makest darkness, and it is night," emphasizing God's active and deliberate role in its formation. Unlike pagan deities who might be associated with specific elements or domains, the God of Israel demonstrates universal sovereignty over all aspects of creation, including the seemingly fearful or mysterious hours of night. This comprehensive control underscores His absolute authority and benevolent design, ensuring that even the night serves a specific, divinely ordained purpose for the flourishing of life within His established order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 104 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty over Natural Cycles**, asserting God's direct and active control over fundamental phenomena like day and night. This is not a passive process but a deliberate act of creation, underscoring His absolute authority over the cosmos, as also seen in [Jeremiah 33:20](/jeremiah/33-20 "Jeremiah 33:20 - God's Covenant with Day and Night"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Order and Purpose in Creation**. The night is not chaotic but serves a specific, divinely ordained purpose—it is the time "wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth." This demonstrates God's intricate design where every part of creation, including the cycles of day and night, has a function and a place, pointing to a wise and intentional Creator. Finally, the verse illustrates **God's Comprehensive Provision for All Creatures**. By establishing the conditions necessary for nocturnal animals to emerge and seek sustenance, God's care extends even to the wild beasts. This theme of divine provision is pervasive throughout the Psalms, echoed in passages like [Psalms 147:9](/psalms/147-9 "Psalms 147:9 - God Feeds the Ravens") regarding His feeding of the young ravens, and further elaborated in [Psalms 104:21](/psalms/104-21 "Psalms 104:21 - Lions Roaring for Prey"), which speaks of the lions roaring for their prey from God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Makest (Hebrew, _shîyth_):** This primitive root signifies to place, set, appoint, or make. Here, it emphasizes God's active, intentional, and authoritative role in bringing darkness into existence. It is not a passive occurrence but a deliberate act of divine will, establishing the cosmic order and the specific conditions for the night. This word highlights God's direct involvement in the creation and ongoing sustenance of the natural world.
* **Darkness (Hebrew, _chôshek_):** Derived from a root meaning "to hide" or "to be dark," this noun refers to the literal absence of light, but in a theological sense, it often denotes a created aspect of God's design. While it can figuratively represent misery, destruction, or ignorance, in this context, it specifically refers to the night as a divinely appointed period. The use of this word underscores that darkness, like light, is under God's sovereign control and serves His purposes within creation.
* **Creep [forth] (Hebrew, _râmas_):** This primitive root means to glide swiftly, crawl, move with short steps, or by analogy, to swarm. When applied to "beasts of the forest," it describes the characteristic movement of nocturnal animals as they emerge from their dens or hiding places. It conveys the idea of these creatures stirring, moving stealthily, or coming out to begin their nightly routines of hunting, foraging, or migrating. It implies a natural, unhurried, yet purposeful movement within their divinely appointed sphere, highlighting their adaptation to the conditions of night established by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou makest darkness, and it is night":** This initial clause directly attributes the creation and establishment of night to God. The verb "makest" (Hebrew: _shîyth_) signifies a deliberate, purposeful act of divine will, not a mere natural phenomenon. The transition from "darkness" (the state or condition) to "it is night" (the specific time period) underscores God's power to establish and order the fundamental rhythms of the universe. This highlights His absolute control over the cosmic clock, setting the stage for all life's activities and demonstrating His continuous involvement in creation.
* **"wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep [forth]":** This second clause reveals the divine purpose behind the creation of night. It is the designated time for nocturnal animals ("all the beasts of the forest") to become active. The phrase "do creep [forth]" (Hebrew: _râmas_) vividly describes their emergence from their dens or hiding places, ready to hunt, forage, or move about under the cover of darkness. This demonstrates God's intricate design and providential care, providing specific conditions and times for every creature to thrive and fulfill its natural instincts, ensuring the balance and sustenance of the ecosystem according to His wise plan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices that enhance its theological message. **Divine Fiat** is powerfully evident in "Thou makest darkness," emphasizing God's authoritative command that brings this aspect of creation into being. The phrase also uses vivid **Imagery**, painting a picture of the quiet, mysterious emergence of nocturnal animals under the cloak of night, appealing to the reader's visual and imaginative senses. There is also an element of subtle **Personification** in describing darkness as something God "makes," treating it almost as a tangible entity rather than a mere absence. This contributes to the psalm's overall theme of God's active and intimate involvement in every aspect of His creation, demonstrating His intentional design and control over even the most profound natural cycles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 104:20 profoundly reinforces the biblical truth of God's universal and meticulous sovereignty, not only over humanity but over all creation. It teaches that every aspect of the natural world, including the seemingly mundane cycles of day and night, operates under His direct command and for His wise purposes. This divine ordering ensures that all creatures, from the largest beasts to the smallest insects, are provided for and have their place within the grand tapestry of life. This comprehensive care extends beyond mere existence to the specific conditions necessary for flourishing, reminding us that God's providence is all-encompassing and intricately detailed, orchestrating the entire created order for His glory and the sustenance of life.

* [Job 38:12-13](/job/38-12-13 "Job 38:12-13 - God's Control Over Dawn")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Feeds the Birds")
* [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a powerful invitation to trust in God's providential care, not just for the grand moments of life, but for every intricate detail. If God orchestrates the precise timing of day and night and provides for the intricate needs of wild animals, then His care for humanity, made in His image and redeemed by His Son, is infinitely more certain and profound. We are encouraged to find peace in the knowledge that our lives, with their seasons of light and darkness, activity and rest, are all held within His sovereign and benevolent hand. This perspective can transform our anxieties into worship, as we marvel at the wisdom evident in the natural world and give Him glory for His magnificent works. It reminds us that even in the "darkness" of our own lives—times of uncertainty, struggle, quiet waiting, or even despair—God has a purpose, and He is actively providing for us, guiding our steps, and preparing us for what lies ahead. Our response should be one of humble reliance and grateful adoration for such a wise and caring Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of God "making" darkness, rather than it simply being an absence of light, change your perception of night or difficult seasons in life?**
* **What specific "beasts of the forest" (i.e., challenges, opportunities, or hidden strengths) might God be preparing you to "creep forth" into during a current "night" season in your life?**
* **How can recognizing God's meticulous provision for wild animals deepen your trust in His provision for your own daily needs and future, especially when circumstances feel uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that darkness is inherently good or evil?**

Answer: This verse, like [Genesis 1:3-5](/genesis/1-3-5 "Genesis 1:3-5 - God Creates Light and Darkness") and [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Light and Darkness"), portrays darkness as a created entity, an integral part of God's designed order, rather than something inherently evil. While darkness can be symbolically associated with evil, sin, or ignorance in other biblical contexts (e.g., [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light")), here it serves a functional and benevolent purpose within the natural world, enabling nocturnal creatures to thrive. It underscores God's sovereignty over all aspects of creation, both light and dark, demonstrating His wise and purposeful design.

**What is the significance of the phrase "creep forth"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _râmas_ (רָמַשׂ), translated as "creep forth," denotes a low, often stealthy, or swarming movement. In the context of "beasts of the forest," it vividly describes the quiet, natural emergence of nocturnal animals—from predators like lions (as mentioned in [Psalms 104:21](/psalms/104-21 "Psalms 104:21 - Lions Roaring for Prey")) to smaller creatures—as they begin their nightly activities. It emphasizes that the night is their divinely appointed time, specifically designed for their behaviors, whether hunting, foraging, or moving about, as part of God's established order and comprehensive provision for all living things.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 104:20, in its declaration of God's sovereign creation of darkness and His provision for its creatures, points forward to the ultimate Creator and Sustainer, Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom "all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ")). Just as God orders the cycles of day and night for the flourishing of creation, so Christ, as the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), overcomes the spiritual darkness that enslaves humanity. His coming brought light into a world shrouded in sin and death, offering true life and purpose. Furthermore, the meticulous provision for the beasts of the forest foreshadows Christ's comprehensive care for His people. If the Father provides for the sparrows and clothes the lilies of the field, how much more will He provide for those He has redeemed through His Son, who are of far greater value ([Matthew 6:26-30](/matthew/6-26-30 "Matthew 6:26-30 - Do Not Worry")). In Christ, we find not only the ordering of creation but the ultimate fulfillment of God's providential care, ensuring that even in our darkest hours, His light and provision are steadfast, leading us into eternal life.

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

Isaiah 45:7

I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].

Psalms 74:16

The day [is] thine, the night also [is] thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.

Psalms 50:10

For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills.

Amos 1:13

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:

Genesis 8:22

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Genesis 1:4

And God saw the light, that [it was] good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

Genesis 1:5

And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.