Psalms 104:21

KJV

The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.

KJV (with Strong's)

The young lions {H3715} roar {H7580} after their prey {H2964}, and seek {H1245} their meat {H400} from God {H410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The young lions roar after their prey and seek their food from God.

Berean Standard Bible

The young lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God.

American Standard Version

The young lions roar after their prey, And seek their food from God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:21 presents a striking image of young lions roaring in the wilderness, not merely for their prey, but in an act of seeking their sustenance directly from God. This verse, embedded within a grand hymn of creation and divine providence, profoundly illustrates the universal dependence of all living creatures, even the most powerful and seemingly self-sufficient, upon the meticulous and benevolent provision of the Creator. It underscores the theological truth that God's sovereignty extends to every facet of the natural world, orchestrating even the primal instincts of predators to fulfill His purposes and demonstrate His ongoing care for His creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise, celebrating Yahweh as the majestic Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos, echoing themes found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). The psalm systematically unfolds God's creative and sustaining acts, moving from the heavens (vv. 1-4) to the earth and its waters (vv. 5-9), then focusing on the provision for life, both human and animal (vv. 10-18). Verses 19-30 specifically detail God's meticulous care for various creatures, highlighting the rhythm of day and night, and the cycle of life and death, all under divine orchestration. Verse 21, depicting the young lions, is strategically placed within this section (vv. 20-23) that describes the nocturnal activities of wild animals, emphasizing that even in their predatory pursuits, they are operating within God's established order and dependent on His provision. This particular image serves as a powerful testament to God's all-encompassing care, extending even to the wild and often feared aspects of His creation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, lions were a formidable presence in the wilderness regions, representing both power and danger. They were known for their nocturnal hunts, their distinctive roar, and their role as apex predators. The psalmist's reference to "young lions" (כְּפִירִים, _kephirim'_) specifically highlights their vigor and their active pursuit of food, contrasting with older, less active lions. The wilderness was not merely an empty space but a vibrant ecosystem, often perceived as untamed and chaotic, yet the psalmist asserts God's sovereign control even over this wild domain. The imagery would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with the sounds and realities of the natural world surrounding them, reinforcing the idea that even the most fearsome creatures are not outside the Creator's benevolent oversight. This understanding would have provided comfort and assurance, knowing that the same God who provides for the wild beasts also cares for His people, as seen in the broader biblical narrative of [God's care for Israel in the wilderness](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 104 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Provision**, asserting that God is the ultimate source of sustenance for all life. Even the seemingly self-sufficient and powerful predators are depicted as "seeking their meat from God," highlighting a universal dependence. This theme is pervasive throughout the Psalms, as seen in [Psalm 145:15-16](/psalms/145-15 "Psalm 145:15-16 - God's Universal Provision"), which states that God opens His hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereignty over Nature**. The instinctual hunt of the lion is not random chaos but operates within God's designed order, demonstrating His complete control and oversight of the natural world, including its wild and untamed inhabitants. Thirdly, it illustrates **Universal Dependence**, conveying that all creation, from the smallest insect to the fiercest predator, is utterly reliant on the Creator for its existence, sustenance, and the fulfillment of its natural instincts. This dependence is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the Creator's ongoing, active involvement in His world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Young lions (Hebrew, _kəp̄īrîm'_):** This term specifically refers to the stronger, more vigorous lions, often those actively hunting. It emphasizes their power and predatory nature, making the subsequent statement that they "seek their meat from God" all the more striking. It highlights that even the most formidable creatures are not independent of their Creator.
* **Roar (Hebrew, _šāʾaḡ'_):** This verb describes the deep, resonant sound made by lions, typically associated with hunting, asserting dominance, or calling to their pride. In this context, it signifies their active pursuit of prey. The psalmist elevates this primal sound to a form of "seeking" from God, implying that even their instinctive cries for food are heard and answered by the divine Provider.
* **Seek (Hebrew, _bāqaš'_):** This word implies an earnest, diligent, and often persistent search or request. While the lions are physically seeking prey, the psalmist attributes this action, in a theological sense, to a "seeking from God." This anthropomorphic application suggests that the very instinct driving the lions is divinely implanted and that their success in finding food is a direct result of God's provision, rather than merely their own strength or cunning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The young lions roar after their prey":** This clause vividly paints a picture of the lions' natural hunting behavior. The "roaring" is not merely a sound but an expression of their hunger and their active pursuit of food. It sets the stage by depicting a scene of wild, untamed nature governed by primal instinct and the struggle for survival. This initial image emphasizes the inherent power and independence of these creatures in their natural habitat.
* **"and seek their meat from God":** This second clause introduces a profound theological interpretation of the lions' actions. It transforms their physical hunt into a spiritual act of dependence. Despite their strength and ferocity, the lions are portrayed as ultimately reliant on God for their sustenance ("meat" or food). The "seeking from God" implies that their success in finding prey is not accidental or solely due to their own efforts, but a direct result of God's benevolent provision. This statement underscores God's meticulous care for all creation, even for those creatures that seem to operate purely on instinct.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 104:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Anthropomorphism** is prominent, attributing the human action of "seeking from God" to the young lions. While lions physically seek prey, the psalmist interprets this instinctual behavior as a form of appeal to their Creator, thus elevating their natural actions to a theological plane. This device highlights God's active involvement in every aspect of creation, implying a divine response to the needs of even the wild beasts. **Imagery** is powerfully used, creating a vivid mental picture of roaring lions in the hunt, appealing directly to the reader's senses and imagination. This concrete image makes the abstract concept of divine provision tangible and relatable. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Paradox**: the fierce, independent predator is simultaneously portrayed as utterly dependent on a higher power. This juxtaposition emphasizes the psalmist's central theme of universal reliance on God, even in the most unexpected places. Finally, the verse functions as a **Metaphor** for all of creation's dependence, using the powerful lion to represent the broader truth that all life, regardless of its apparent self-sufficiency, ultimately draws its sustenance from the divine hand.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a powerful theological anchor, affirming God's meticulous and universal provision for all life. It challenges the notion of a deistic God who merely creates and then withdraws, instead presenting a God who is intimately involved in the daily sustenance of His creation, down to the feeding of wild predators. This truth underscores the radical dependence of all creatures on their Maker, reminding humanity that our own efforts, while necessary, are ultimately blessed and sustained by divine grace. If God so carefully provides for the needs of lions, creatures often associated with danger and wildness, how much more will He attend to the needs of His human children, whom He has created in His image and with whom He has entered into covenant? This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of trust, gratitude, and humility, recognizing God's hand in every provision, whether it comes through our labor or through unexpected blessings.

* [Psalm 145:15-16](/psalms/145-15 "Psalm 145:15-16 - God's Universal Provision")
* [Job 38:39-41](/job/38-39 "Job 38:39-41 - God's Care for Wild Animals")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Feeds the Birds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 104:21 offers a profound spiritual lesson for contemporary believers: if God meticulously provides for the wild and untamed aspects of His creation, even for powerful predators like young lions, how much more will He care for His human children, whom He loves and has redeemed? This verse calls us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's daily provision, not just for our physical needs, but for every aspect of our lives—emotional, spiritual, and relational. It reminds us that even in our most active pursuits and endeavors, our ultimate sustenance and success flow from His benevolent hand. This perspective should lead to a posture of gratitude, acknowledging God's sovereignty in every meal, every opportunity, and every breath. It challenges us to release anxieties about the future, knowing that the God who feeds the lions will surely sustain us, inviting us to live in a state of dependent faith rather than anxious self-reliance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the image of lions "seeking their meat from God" challenge our assumptions about self-sufficiency and divine provision?**
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God for provision, and how might this verse encourage you?**
* **How can acknowledging God's provision for all creation deepen your sense of gratitude and worship?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more consciously in dependence on God for your daily needs?**

### FAQ
**Does God truly "provide" for predators like lions, given their violent nature?**

Answer: Yes, theologically speaking, the Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate provider for all living creatures, including predators. The psalmist's point in [Psalms 104:21](/psalms/104-21 "Psalms 104:21 - God Provides for Lions") is that the lions' instinctual hunt and their success in finding prey are not outside of God's sovereign design but are part of His established order for the natural world. Their "roaring after their prey" and "seeking their meat from God" implies that even their predatory actions are divinely orchestrated and sustained. This does not mean God approves of violence in a moral sense, but rather that He maintains the intricate balance of the ecosystem He created, where the life cycle of some creatures depends on the consumption of others. This is further emphasized in [Job 38:39-41](/job/38-39 "Job 38:39-41 - God's Care for Wild Animals"), where God highlights His care for the lion and the raven, asking rhetorically if it is by human provision that they find their food. It speaks to God's comprehensive and active involvement in sustaining all forms of life, even those aspects that might seem harsh or difficult from a human perspective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 104:21 speaks of God's general providence over creation, its themes find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not only the agent through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")), but also the one who "upholds the universe by the word of his power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). Just as the young lions seek their meat from God, all of creation, including humanity, finds its true sustenance and purpose in Christ. He is the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), providing spiritual nourishment that transcends physical hunger. Furthermore, the very 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")), willingly became prey for humanity's redemption, demonstrating a divine provision far greater than any physical sustenance. In Christ, God's meticulous care is not just for physical survival but for eternal life, offering Himself as the ultimate provision for our deepest spiritual hunger and restoring humanity to its rightful place in God's created order.

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

Job 38:39

Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,

Joel 1:20

The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.

Psalms 34:10

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].

Joel 2:22

Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.

Job 38:41

Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

Isaiah 31:4

For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, [he] will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

Psalms 145:15

The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.