Psalms 104:24

KJV

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068}, how manifold {H7231} are thy works {H4639}! in wisdom {H2451} hast thou made {H6213} them all: the earth {H776} is full {H4390} of thy riches {H7075}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What variety there is in your works, ADONAI! How many [of them there are]! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creations.

Berean Standard Bible

How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: The earth is full of thy riches.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:24 is a profound exclamation of praise, celebrating the boundless diversity, intricate design, and overflowing abundance evident in God's creation. It serves as a climactic declaration within a psalm that meticulously details the Lord's creative acts and His ongoing sustenance of the natural world, marveling at the sheer volume and divine wisdom displayed in all His works, leading to the profound realization that the entire earth is filled with His glorious and generous provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise, often referred to as a "creation psalm," that vividly recounts God's work as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It begins by extolling God's majesty (verses 1-4), then systematically details His establishment of the heavens, the waters, the earth, and the various forms of life within them (verses 5-23). These preceding verses describe the laying of the earth's foundations, the gathering of the waters, the provision of springs for wild animals, the growth of trees for birds, the mountains and valleys, the sun and moon for seasons, and the diverse creatures of land and sea, including humanity's labor. Verse 24 functions as a climactic summation and an outburst of adoration, expressing profound wonder at the scale, variety, and intelligent design of all these creative acts, culminating in the declaration that the entire earth is replete with God's "riches." It is a theological exclamation point on the detailed narrative of creation that precedes it, affirming the divine source and wisdom behind all observed phenomena.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed within ancient Israel, Psalm 104 reflects a worldview profoundly shaped by the monotheistic worship of Yahweh, the one true God, as distinct from the polytheistic cosmologies of surrounding Ancient Near Eastern cultures. While other cultures often depicted creation as the result of chaotic battles between deities (e.g., the Babylonian *Enuma Elish*), this psalm presents a benevolent, orderly, and wise Creator who brings forth life and sustains it with purpose and care. The psalm's structure and themes bear striking resemblances to the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), suggesting a shared theological tradition that emphasized God's effortless and sovereign command over all things. The "riches" of the earth would have been understood in terms of the essential provisions for life—water, fertile land, abundant harvests, and diverse animal life—all seen as direct gifts from God, fostering a deep sense of dependence and gratitude in an agrarian society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **God's Infinite Creativity and Diversity**, emphasizing the astonishing variety and complexity of creation, from the smallest organism to the vastness of the cosmos, as a testament to an Artist of limitless imagination and power. Secondly, the assertion "in wisdom hast thou made them all" underscores **Divine Wisdom as the Foundation of Creation**. This divine wisdom (Hebrew: *chokmah*) is not merely abstract knowledge but practical skill and insight, evident in the delicate balance of ecosystems, the precise laws of physics, and the intricate biological systems that allow life to flourish. This echoes themes found in [Proverbs 3:19](/proverbs/3-19 "Proverbs 3:19 - Wisdom in Creation"). Finally, "the earth is full of thy riches" speaks to **God's Abundance and Provision**. These "riches" encompass not only material resources but also the richness of life, beauty, and sustenance that fills every corner of the planet, signifying that everything on earth belongs to God and is a testament to His overflowing goodness and meticulous care for His creation. This theme of God's ownership and overflowing provision is also powerfully articulated in [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manifold (Hebrew, _rab_):** This word signifies "much, many, great, abundant, numerous, diverse." In the context of "thy works," it powerfully conveys the vast quantity, immense diversity, and intricate complexity of God's creative output. It speaks to a God whose imagination and power are boundless, producing an astonishing array of forms, functions, and beauty.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmah_):** A crucial biblical concept, *chokmah* denotes skill, insight, understanding, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively. Here, it refers to the divine intelligence and perfect design principle by which God ordered the cosmos. Creation is not accidental or chaotic but meticulously planned, balanced, and executed with perfect, inherent intelligence, ensuring its functionality and beauty.
* **Riches (Hebrew, _qinyan_):** This term refers to possessions, property, or wealth. In this verse, it beautifully illustrates that all the bounty, beauty, resources, and life on earth are God's own acquisitions and possessions. They are not merely resources for humanity but are fundamentally expressions of His glory and provision, demonstrating His overflowing generosity and ownership over all creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD, how manifold are thy works!":** This opening exclamation is an expression of profound awe and wonder. The psalmist is overwhelmed by the sheer number, variety, and complexity of God's creative acts, which have been detailed in the preceding verses. It's a spontaneous burst of worship acknowledging the vastness of divine artistry.
* **"in wisdom hast thou made them all:":** This clause provides the theological explanation for the "manifold" nature of God's works. The diversity and intricacy are not random but are the product of divine intelligence and perfect design. Every element of creation, from the grandest cosmic structure to the smallest biological detail, is infused with God's ordering wisdom, ensuring its purpose, balance, and functionality.
* **"the earth is full of thy riches.":** This concluding declaration emphasizes God's overflowing generosity and ownership. The "riches" refer to the abundant resources, life, beauty, and sustenance that fill the earth. These are not merely natural resources but are seen as God's personal possessions, freely given and continually provided, testifying to His boundless goodness and care for all His creatures.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Exclamation**, particularly in the opening phrase, "O LORD, how manifold are thy works!" This expresses intense emotion, awe, and wonder, inviting the reader to share in the psalmist's profound admiration for God's creative power. **Hyperbole** is also evident in "how manifold" and "full of thy riches," which convey an immeasurable quantity and quality of God's works and provision, emphasizing their overwhelming nature. While not explicit **Personification**, the imagery of the earth being "full of thy riches" subtly portrays the earth as a vast vessel or treasury overflowing with God's bounty, almost as if it is a living entity displaying His wealth. The verse also functions as a **Hymnic Climax**, serving as a summary and culminating declaration of praise within the larger structure of Psalm 104, which is itself a hymn celebrating God as Creator and Sustainer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a foundational statement regarding God's relationship with His creation, emphasizing His sovereign wisdom, boundless creativity, and overflowing generosity. It reveals that the natural world is not merely a collection of random phenomena but a meticulously designed masterpiece, intentionally crafted to display God's glory and provide for all living things. The "manifold works" speak to God's infinite imagination and power, while the "wisdom" underscores His perfect ordering and intelligent design. The "riches" point to His abundant provision and ownership, reminding us that all sustenance and beauty derive directly from Him. This understanding calls humanity to a posture of awe, worship, and responsible stewardship, recognizing that the earth and its bounty are not ours to exploit but God's to cherish and manage.

* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Attributes Seen in Creation")
* [Nehemiah 9:6](/nehemiah/9-6 "Nehemiah 9:6 - God as Creator and Sustainer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 104:24 profoundly impacts our perspective on the world and our place within it. It calls us to move beyond a superficial glance at nature and to cultivate a deep sense of awe and wonder, recognizing every sunrise, every intricate leaf, and every diverse creature as a deliberate testament to God's glorious wisdom and power. This recognition should foster a spirit of worship and adoration, transforming our daily experiences into opportunities for praise. Furthermore, if God's wisdom is sufficient to create and sustain the entire cosmos with such precision and abundance, we can trust that same wisdom to guide our individual lives, circumstances, and the complexities of human society. The verse also serves as a powerful reminder of our stewardship responsibilities. Recognizing that the earth and its "riches" belong to God, we are called to be responsible caretakers of creation, managing its resources with care and respect, reflecting His generosity and preserving His handiwork for future generations. Ultimately, the abundance we experience, from breathable air to bountiful harvests, is a direct manifestation of God's overflowing provision, prompting a life of profound gratitude and humble dependence on our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does observing the natural world around you deepen your worship and understanding of God's character?**
* **In what specific ways do you personally see God's "wisdom" and "riches" displayed in the world, beyond just material resources?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of awe and gratitude for God's creation in your daily life?**
* **How does the truth of God's meticulous wisdom in creation encourage you in moments of personal uncertainty or when facing seemingly chaotic situations?**

### FAQ
**What does "manifold" mean in this context and why is it significant?**

Answer: In Psalms 104:24, "manifold" translates the Hebrew word *rab*, which conveys the idea of "much, many, great, abundant, numerous, and diverse." Its significance lies in emphasizing the astonishing variety, complexity, and sheer number of God's creative acts. It highlights that God's imagination and power are boundless, resulting in an incredible array of life forms, ecosystems, and natural phenomena, each uniquely designed and interconnected. This diversity speaks to a God who delights in beauty, intricacy, and the flourishing of countless different expressions of life, all brought forth by His hand.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of natural revelation?**

Answer: This verse is a powerful affirmation of natural revelation, the idea that God's attributes can be known through the created order. When the psalmist exclaims, "O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches," he is articulating that God's power, wisdom, and goodness are clearly displayed in the world around us. As [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Seen in Creation") states, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." The intricate design and abundant provision of creation leave humanity without excuse for not acknowledging a divine Creator.

**Is "riches" only about material wealth in this verse?**

Answer: While "riches" (Hebrew: *qinyan*) can refer to material possessions or wealth, in the context of Psalms 104:24, its meaning is far broader and richer. It encompasses the full bounty of creation—the beauty of landscapes, the diversity of life, the intricate balance of ecosystems, the provision of water, food, and air, and all the resources necessary for life to thrive. These are not merely "natural resources" but are seen as God's personal acquisitions and possessions, demonstrating His overflowing generosity and meticulous provision for all His creatures. It signifies that everything good and abundant on earth is a direct expression of God's ownership and His benevolent care.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 104:24, with its celebration of God's manifold works made in wisdom and filling the earth with His riches, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that Christ is not merely a participant in creation but the very agent through whom all things were made. [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ") declares, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made," and [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") affirms, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible... all things were created by him, and for him." Thus, the "wisdom" by which God made all things is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is described as "the wisdom of God" in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"). Furthermore, Christ is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer of all things, upholding the universe by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). The "riches" of God's creation, which fill the earth, ultimately point to the "unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")), encompassing His grace, salvation, and the promise of a new creation where all things are made new in Him ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New")). In Christ, the wisdom and abundance of the Creator are not only displayed but personally experienced and eternally secured.

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.