Psalms 104:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:22 vividly portrays the divinely orchestrated transition from night to day in the animal kingdom, specifically focusing on nocturnal creatures. As the sun ascends, these animals, having completed their nocturnal activities and hunts, instinctively retreat to their secure dwelling places to rest. This verse underscores God's meticulous design and ongoing providence, revealing His wisdom in establishing and maintaining the precise rhythms and boundaries that govern all life within creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of creation, widely considered a poetic parallel to the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). It systematically praises God as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos, moving from the heavens and earth (verses 1-9) to the provision of water and vegetation (verses 10-18), and then to the intricate life cycles of animals and humans (verses 19-23). Verse 22 specifically follows [Psalm 104:20-21](/psalms/104-20 "Psalm 104:20-21 - Night and the Beasts of the Forest"), which describes the emergence of wild animals, particularly young lions, under the cover of night to seek their prey and "meat from God." Thus, verse 22 marks the divinely appointed conclusion of their nocturnal activity, setting the stage for the dawn and the commencement of human labor as described in [Psalm 104:23](/psalms/104-23 "Psalm 104:23 - Man Goes Forth to His Work"). This sequence highlights an orderly, interdependent creation governed by God's wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the sun's rising was not merely a natural phenomenon but often perceived as a powerful, divine signal, marking the beginning of a new cycle of activity. The psalmist, however, attributes this order directly to Yahweh, the one true God, contrasting with pagan cosmologies that often deified natural forces or depicted chaotic struggles. The understanding of distinct periods for different creatures—night for predators, day for humans and other animals—reflects a keen observation of the natural world, interpreted through a theological lens. This orderly transition ensured the safety and flourishing of various life forms, demonstrating God's comprehensive and benevolent rule over His creation, providing for all creatures according to their needs and appointed times.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 104 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Order and Providence**, showcasing 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, as seen in the transition from the lions' hunt at night to their retreat at dawn. Secondly, it highlights the **Rhythm of Creation**, underscoring the cyclical nature of life and the distinct roles of day and night. The sun's rising is not just a physical event but a divinely ordained signal for a shift in activity, demonstrating God's continuous care and provision for all creatures, from the great sea creatures of [Psalm 104:26](/psalms/104-26 "Psalm 104:26 - Leviathan in the Sea") to the smallest birds. Lastly, the verse subtly points to **God's Sustenance**, as the orderly retreat of nocturnal animals at dawn allows other creatures, including humans, to safely inhabit the day. This intricate, divinely managed transition underscores God's wisdom in sustaining all life through established, reliable patterns, ensuring that "He gives food to the hungry" as mentioned in [Psalm 146:7](/psalms/146-7 "Psalm 146:7 - God Provides for the Hungry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ariseth (Hebrew: זָרַח, _zarach'_):** This verb signifies "to rise," "to shine forth," or "to dawn." While simple, its use here is profound. It implies an active, intentional emergence of the sun, not merely a passive occurrence. In the context of divine command, it suggests the sun's rising is a divinely appointed signal, a celestial clock set by God Himself, initiating a shift in the created order and dictating the behavior of His creatures. It is the beginning of a new phase, marking the end of the nocturnal dominion.
* **Gather themselves together (Hebrew: אָסַף, _asaph'_):** This verb means "to gather," "to collect," or "to withdraw." Here, it describes the animals' collective movement to retreat. It suggests an instinctive, perhaps even communal, response to the rising sun. They are not merely dispersing randomly but intentionally congregating or withdrawing to their specific resting places. This implies an orderly, coordinated behavior, part of the divine design for their daily rhythm.
* **Dens (Hebrew: מְעוֹנָה, _me'onah'_):** This noun refers to a "den," "lair," or "dwelling place," often associated with wild animals like lions. It denotes a place of shelter, security, and rest. The retreat to their "dens" signifies the conclusion of their active period and the beginning of their time of rest and safety. It highlights God's provision of specific, appropriate habitats for each creature, where they can find refuge and recuperate, awaiting the next cycle of activity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sun ariseth":** This clause establishes the pivotal moment of transition. The rising of the sun is presented as the divinely ordained catalyst that signals the end of the night's activities for nocturnal animals. It is not an arbitrary event but a consistent, powerful marker in God's ordered creation, initiating a shift in the natural rhythm.
* **"they gather themselves together":** This refers to the nocturnal animals, particularly those mentioned in the preceding verses (e.g., young lions). Upon the sun's ascent, they instinctively begin to collect themselves, indicating a unified and purposeful movement. This gathering suggests a withdrawal from their hunting grounds and a preparation for rest, demonstrating an innate response to the changing light.
* **"and lay them down in their dens":** This final clause describes the culmination of their retreat. The animals settle into their secure dwelling places, signifying the end of their active period and the beginning of their rest. Their "dens" are places of safety and recuperation, provided by God as part of His comprehensive care for His creatures, allowing them to conserve energy until the next cycle of night.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 104:22 employs several literary devices to enhance its message of divine order and provision. **Personification** is subtly present in "The sun ariseth," where the sun is depicted not merely as a celestial body but as an active agent, almost a signal-giver, initiating the animals' retreat. This imbues the natural phenomenon with a sense of divine intentionality. The verse also relies heavily on **Contrast**, drawing a clear distinction between the nocturnal activities described in [Psalm 104:20-21](/psalms/104-20 "Psalm 104:20-21 - Night and the Beasts of the Forest") (hunting, seeking prey) and the daytime behavior of retreat and rest. This sharp juxtaposition highlights the precise, complementary nature of God's design for day and night. Furthermore, the verse utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a clear picture of the dawn scene: the sun ascending, animals moving collectively, and finally settling into their hidden lairs. This imagery appeals to the reader's senses, making the divine order tangible and observable, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Creator's wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 104:22 powerfully articulates God's meticulous governance over His creation, extending His sovereign rule even to the daily rhythms of the animal kingdom. It underscores the theme of divine providence, demonstrating that God not only brought creation into being but actively sustains it through established, reliable patterns. The transition from night to day, and the corresponding shift in animal behavior, is not random but a testament to God's wisdom in ordering the cosmos. This divine order ensures balance, provision, and the flourishing of all life, reflecting a Creator who is intimately involved in the details of His world, providing for every creature in its appointed time and place.

* [Job 38:39-41](/job/38-39 "Job 38:39-41 - God's Provision for Lions and Ravens")
* [Psalm 147:9](/psalms/147-9 "Psalm 147:9 - God Provides for Animals")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Cares for the Birds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 104:22 invites us to pause and marvel at the intricate wisdom of God embedded in the natural world. Just as God orchestrates the daily cycles for wild animals, ensuring their provision, activity, and rest, so too does He govern the times and seasons of our lives. This verse encourages a profound trust in God's consistent care and comprehensive providence, reminding us that if He attends to the needs of lions and birds, He will surely attend to His human children, who are of far greater value. It calls us to observe and appreciate the natural rhythms of life, recognizing God's hand in everything from the rising sun to the resting animals, fostering a deeper sense of awe and worship for our Creator. Furthermore, it subtly reminds us of the importance of rest and boundaries in our own lives. Just as animals have their appointed times for activity and repose, so too should we recognize the divine wisdom in rhythms of work and rest, finding peace in the knowledge that God sustains us through both.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does observing the natural world, as described in this psalm, deepen your trust in God's providence for your own life?**
* **What "dens" or places of rest and refuge has God provided for you, and how effectively do you utilize them in your daily rhythms?**
* **In what ways can you better acknowledge and appreciate God's precise ordering and sustaining power in the seemingly mundane aspects of your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "they" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: The pronoun "they" in Psalms 104:22 refers to the nocturnal wild animals, particularly the "young lions" mentioned in the preceding verse, [Psalm 104:21](/psalms/104-21 "Psalm 104:21 - Young Lions Seek Their Prey"). These are the creatures that emerge under the cover of night to hunt for their food. As the sun rises, their period of activity ends, and they retreat to their dens, making way for the daytime activities of other creatures, including humans, as described in [Psalm 104:23](/psalms/104-23 "Psalm 104:23 - Man Goes Forth to His Work").

**How does this verse relate to human activity?**

Answer: While Psalms 104:22 focuses specifically on the animal kingdom, it sets the immediate stage for human activity. [Psalm 104:23](/psalms/104-23 "Psalm 104:23 - Man Goes Forth to His Work") directly follows, stating, "Man goes forth to his work and to his labor until the evening." This juxtaposition highlights God's orderly design for the entire created world: distinct times for different creatures and their purposes. The retreat of nocturnal animals at dawn ensures a safe environment for human labor and daytime life, underscoring God's comprehensive and wise provision for all inhabitants of the earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 104:22, with its depiction of God's meticulous ordering of creation and His providential care for all living things, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is not only the agent through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" as stated in [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" according to [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things"). The very sun that "ariseth" is a testament to His sustaining power, for "in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - In Christ All Things Hold Together")). The divine order and provision for the animals, ensuring their rest in their dens, foreshadows the ultimate rest and security found in Christ. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising, "I will give you rest" in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). Just as the animals find their appointed place of refuge, believers find their ultimate "den" of peace and safety in the finished work of Christ, who provides for their deepest needs and secures their eternal dwelling. This psalm's celebration of creation's rhythms ultimately points to the Creator made flesh, through whom all creation is sustained and redeemed, leading to a new heavens and new earth where perfect order and eternal rest will prevail ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")).

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 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.