Psalms 104:22

The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.

The sun {H8121} ariseth {H2224}, they gather themselves together {H622}, and lay them down {H7257} in their dens {H4585}.

The sun rises, they slink away and lie down to rest in their dens;

The sun rises, and they withdraw; they lie down in their dens.

The sun ariseth, they get them away, And lay them down in their dens.

Psalm 104:22 (KJV) beautifully illustrates the divine order established in creation, specifically focusing on the daily rhythm of the animal kingdom. This verse is part of a magnificent psalm that praises God as the ultimate Creator and Sustainer of all life.

Context

Psalm 104 is a grand hymn of creation, mirroring themes found in Genesis 1. It systematically describes God's handiwork, from forming the heavens and earth to providing water, vegetation, and sustenance for all living creatures. Verses 20-21 set the scene for verse 22, detailing how during the night, wild animals, particularly "the young lions," emerge to hunt for their prey, seeking their "meat from God." Verse 22 then marks the transition from night to day, showing how these nocturnal predators retreat as the sun rises, making way for human activity (mentioned in Psalm 104:23).

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Providence: The verse highlights God's meticulous design in governing the natural world. He has appointed specific times for different creatures to be active, ensuring harmony and balance within the ecosystem. The rising of the sun is not merely a natural phenomenon but a divinely ordained signal for a shift in activity.
  • Rhythm of Creation: It emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, especially the distinct roles of day and night. For nocturnal animals, the dawn signifies the end of their active period and the beginning of rest, just as night signifies the start of their hunt. This rhythm showcases God's continuous care and provision for all creatures.
  • God's Sustenance: While the animals hunt at night (v. 21), their retreat at dawn is also part of God's provision, allowing other creatures (including humans) to safely inhabit the day. This orderly transition underscores God's wisdom in sustaining life through established patterns.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrasing "The sun ariseth" conveys the clear, direct action of dawn. There are no complex Hebrew words here that require extensive linguistic analysis for a general audience. The power of the verse lies in its vivid imagery and the contrast it draws between the night's hunt and the day's rest for these animals, emphasizing God's control over these natural cycles.

Practical Application

Psalm 104:22 invites us to contemplate God's incredible wisdom and order in creation. For a general audience, this verse can inspire:

  • Trust in God's Providence: Just as God orchestrates the daily cycles for animals, He also governs the times and seasons of our lives. We can find comfort in His consistent care and provision for all creation.
  • Appreciation for Natural Rhythms: It encourages us to observe and appreciate the natural rhythms of life, recognizing God's hand in everything from the rising sun to the resting animals. This can foster a deeper sense of awe and worship for our Creator God.
  • Understanding of Our Place: The verse, especially when read with Psalm 104:23, also subtly highlights the human role in creation – that our labor is for the day, while other creatures have their times. It reminds us of the interconnectedness and balance God has designed for the earth.

This verse serves as a beautiful reminder of God's active involvement in maintaining the universe, ensuring that every creature, great and small, operates within the boundaries and provisions He has set.

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.

  • Job 37:8

    Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.

  • John 3:20

    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

  • Nahum 3:17

    Thy crowned [are] as the locusts, and thy captains as the great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges in the cold day, [but] when the sun ariseth they flee away, and their place is not known where they [are].

  • Job 24:13

    ¶ They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

  • Job 24:17

    For the morning [is] to them even as the shadow of death: if [one] know [them, they are in] the terrors of the shadow of death.

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