TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 104:31–35. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The psalmist concludes this meditation with speaking,
I.Praise to God, which is chiefly intended in the psalm.
1.He is to be praised,
(1.)As a great God, and a God of matchless perfection: The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever, Psa 104:31. It shall endure to the end of time in his works of creation and providence; it shall endure to eternity in the felicity and adorations of saints and angels. Man's glory is fading; God's glory is everlasting. Creatures change, but with the Creator there is no variableness.
(2.)As a gracious God: The Lord shall rejoice in his works. He continues that complacency in the products of his own wisdom and goodness which he had when he saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good, and rested the seventh day. We often do that which, upon the review, we cannot rejoice in, but are displeased at, and wish undone again, blaming our own management. But God always rejoices in his works, because they are all done in wisdom. We regret our bounty and beneficence, but God never does; he rejoices in the works of his grace: his gifts and callings are without repentance.
(3.)As a God of almighty power (Psa 104:32): He looks on the earth, and it trembles, as unable to bear his frowns - trembles, as Sinai did, at the presence of the Lord. He touches the hills, and they smoke. The volcanoes, or burning mountains, such as Aetna, are emblems of the power of God's wrath fastening upon proud unhumbled sinners. If an angry look and a touch have such effects, what will the weight of his heavy hand do and the operations of his outstretched arm? Who knows the power of his anger? Who then dares set it at defiance? God rejoices in his works because they are all so observant of him; and he will in like manner take pleasure in those that fear him and that tremble at his word.
2.The psalmist will himself be much in praising him (Psa 104:33): "I will sing unto the Lord, unto my God, will praise him as Jehovah, the Creator, and as my God, a God in covenant with me, and this not now only, but as long as I live, and while I have my being." Because we have our being from God, and depend upon him for the support and continuance of it, as long as we live and have our being we must continue to praise God; and when we have no life, no being, on earth, we hope to have a better life and better being in a better world and there to be doing this work in a better manner and in better company.
II.Joy to himself (Psa 104:34):
My meditation of him shall be sweet; it shall be fixed and close; it shall be affecting and influencing; and therefore it shall be sweet. Thoughts of God will then be most pleasing, when they are most powerful. Note, Divine meditation is a very sweet duty to all that are sanctified: "I will be glad in the Lord; it shall be a pleasure to me to praise him; I will be glad of all opportunities to set forth his glory; and I will rejoice in the Lord always and in him only." All my joys shall centre in him, and in him they shall be full.
III.Terror to the wicked (Psa 104:35): Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth; and let the wicked be no more.
1.Those that oppose the God of power, and fight against him, will certainly be consumed; none can prosper that harden themselves against the Almighty.
2.Those that rebel against the light of such convincing evidence of God's being, and refuse to serve him whom all the creatures serve, will justly be consumed. Those that make that earth to groan under the burden of their impieties which God thus fills with his riches deserve to be consumed out of it, and that it should spue them out.
3.Those that heartily desire to praise God themselves cannot but have a holy indignation at those that blaspheme and dishonour him, and a holy satisfaction in the prospect of their destruction and the honour that God will get to himself upon them. Even this ought to be the matter of their praise: "While sinners are consumed out of the earth, let my soul bless the Lord that I am not cast away with the workers of iniquity, but distinguished from them by the special grace of God. When the wicked are no more I hope to be praising God world without end; and therefore, Praise you the Lord; let all about me join with me in praising God. Hallelujah; sing praise to Jehovah." This is the first time that we meet with Hallelujah; and it comes in here upon occasion of the destruction of the wicked; and the last time we meet with it is upon a similar occasion. When the New Testament Babylon is consumed, this is the burden of the song, Hallelujah, Rev 19:1, Rev 19:3, Rev 19:4, Rev 19:6.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
And see what follows: "You shall send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be made" [Psalm 104:30]. You shall take away their spirit, and send forth Your own: You shall take away their spirit: they shall have no spirit of their own. Are they then forsaken? "Blessed are the poor in spirit:" [Matthew 5:3] but they are not forsaken. They refused to have a spirit of their own: they shall have the Spirit of God. Such were our Lord's words to the future martyrs: [Matthew 10:20] "It is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you." Attribute not your courage to yourselves. If it is yours, He says, and not Mine, it is obstinacy, not courage. "For we are His workmanship," says the Apostle, "created unto good works." [Ephesians 2:10] From His Spirit we have received grace, that we may live unto righteousness: for it is He that justifies the ungodly. [Romans 4:5] "You shall take away their spirit, and they shall fail; You shall send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be made: and You shall renew the face of the earth:" that is, with new men, confessing themselves to have been justified, not righteous of their own power, so that the grace of God is in them. What then? When He has taken away our spirit, we shall be turned again to our dust, beholding to our edification our weakness, that when we receive His Spirit we may be refreshed. See what follows: "Be the glory of the Lord for ever" [Psalm 104:31]. Not yours, not mine, not his, or his; not for a season, but "for ever." "The Lord shall rejoice in His works." Not in yours, as if they were yours: because if your works are evil, it is through your iniquity; if good, it is through the grace of God. "The Lord shall rejoice in His works."
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Summary
Psalms 104:31 stands as a magnificent declaration of God's eternal majesty and His profound, enduring delight in the entirety of His creation. This verse encapsulates the Psalmist's awe and worship, affirming that the divine splendor revealed in the universe is not transient but everlasting, and that the sovereign Creator Himself finds deep satisfaction and joy in the intricate beauty and perfect order of all that He has brought into being. It serves as a climactic affirmation within a hymn celebrating God's ongoing work as Sustainer of all life.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 104 is a grand hymn of praise, often described as a poetic exposition of the creation account in Genesis 1. The psalm systematically unfolds God's creative work, moving from the cosmic (heavens, light, waters, earth's foundations in Psalms 104:1-9) to the terrestrial (springs, trees, animals, human provision in Psalms 104:10-23) and finally to the vastness of the sea and its creatures (Psalms 104:24-26). The psalm then pivots to God's continuous sustenance of all life, emphasizing His absolute control over life and death (Psalms 104:27-30). Verse 31 acts as a theological climax, shifting from the description of creation to a declaration about the Creator's inherent nature and His joyful relationship with His handiwork, serving as a doxological capstone before the Psalmist's personal commitment to worship in Psalms 104:33-35.
Historical & Cultural Context
Composed likely during or after the post-exilic period, Psalm 104 reflects the Israelite understanding of Yahweh as the sole, incomparable Creator, distinct from the polytheistic creation myths of surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures. While sharing some imagery with texts like the Egyptian "Hymn to Aten," the psalm fundamentally reorients creation praise to the one true God, emphasizing His transcendent power, wisdom, and benevolent care, rather than chaotic forces or capricious deities. The concept of "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) was central to Israelite theology, signifying God's weighty presence, honor, and visible manifestation of His majesty, often associated with the tabernacle or temple (Exodus 40:34-35). The idea of God "rejoicing" in His works would have been a profound affirmation of His personal engagement and satisfaction, contrasting with deities who might create out of necessity or conflict.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes of Psalm 104 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the Sovereignty and Transcendence of God, affirming that His glory is not contingent upon creation but is an eternal attribute, yet fully revealed through His works. Secondly, it highlights God's Immanence and Active Sustenance, demonstrating that He is not a distant clockmaker but intimately involved in upholding His universe, finding joy in its flourishing. This theme is echoed in passages like Colossians 1:17, where Christ is said to hold all things together. Thirdly, the verse celebrates Divine Wisdom and Order in Creation, implying that God's works are so perfectly designed and sustained that they bring Him ultimate satisfaction, reflecting His infinite wisdom as seen throughout Proverbs 8 and Job 38-41. Finally, it emphasizes God's Joy and Delight, a profound theological truth that God is not merely powerful but also good and joyful, finding pleasure in His own perfect expression of Himself through creation, reminiscent of the "it was good" refrain in Genesis 1.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew word כָּבוֹד (kâbôwd) literally means "weight" or "heaviness," but in a theological context, it refers to God's inherent majesty, splendor, honor, and visible manifestation of His presence. It denotes the sum of His attributes that command respect and awe. Here, it speaks to the enduring, substantial, and awe-inspiring nature of God's being, which is perpetually revealed through His creation.
The Hebrew word עֹלָם (ʻôwlâm), often translated "for ever" or "everlasting," properly means "concealed" or "the vanishing point," and by extension, "time out of mind (past or future)," practically signifying eternity or perpetuity. In this context, it emphasizes the timelessness and unchanging nature of God's glory. Unlike human glory or the transient beauty of the natural world, God's splendor is not subject to decay, diminution, or the passage of time. It is an eternal reality, providing a stable foundation for all existence.
The Hebrew verb שָׂמַח (sâmach) is a primitive root meaning "to brighten up," or figuratively, "to be blithe or gleesome." It conveys a deep, active sense of gladness, delight, and pleasure. When applied to the LORD, it highlights God's emotional engagement with His creation. This is not a passive observation but an active, joyful affirmation of His handiwork. It implies that God's works perfectly fulfill His intentions and bring Him immense satisfaction, reflecting His goodness and the inherent "goodness" of creation itself.
Verse Breakdown
"The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever"
This clause declares the eternal and unchanging nature of God's inherent majesty and the visible manifestation of His presence. It asserts that the splendor, honor, and weight of God's being are not temporary or subject to the vicissitudes of time, but are perpetual. This enduring glory is the foundation of His reign, the source of all life, and the constant backdrop against which all creation exists. It assures the worshiper of God's unwavering power, presence, and faithfulness, providing an unshakeable anchor for faith.
"the LORD shall rejoice in his works"
This second clause reveals a deeply personal and relational aspect of God. It signifies that the Creator is not detached or indifferent to what He has made, but takes immense pleasure and satisfaction in His creative acts and the ongoing existence of His handiwork. This "rejoicing" echoes the repeated divine affirmation in Genesis 1 that God saw His creation as "good," culminating in the declaration that "it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). God's joy is a testament to the perfection, purpose, and beauty embedded within His creation, confirming its divine design and His benevolent disposition towards it.
Literary Devices
Psalms 104:31 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is Synonymous Parallelism, where the second line ("the LORD shall rejoice in his works") echoes and amplifies the meaning of the first line ("The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever"). The enduring glory of God is intrinsically linked to His joyful satisfaction in His works; His eternal nature is reflected in the perfection that brings Him delight. Anthropomorphism is also evident in the phrase "the LORD shall rejoice," attributing a human emotion (joy) to God to convey His profound personal engagement and satisfaction with His creation in a way that humans can comprehend. This device makes God relatable while preserving His transcendence. The verse also functions as a powerful Doxology, a statement of praise that concludes a section or an entire work, affirming God's attributes as worthy of worship. Furthermore, the entire psalm, culminating in this verse, is a masterful example of Hymnody, a poetic form dedicated to praising God, often recounting His mighty acts, in this case, creation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly connects God's eternal nature with His active engagement and delight in His creation. It teaches us that God's glory is not merely an abstract concept but is dynamically expressed and perpetually sustained through the universe He has made. His joy in His works underscores the inherent goodness and purpose of creation, validating its existence as a reflection of His perfect will and wisdom. This divine satisfaction invites humanity to share in that joy, recognizing the world as a testament to God's artistry and benevolent provision. It also speaks to God's immutability; His glory endures because He is unchanging, and His joy in His perfect works is therefore also eternal, providing a secure foundation for hope and worship.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 104:31 offers a profound invitation to worship and re-evaluate our perspective on God and His world. Knowing that the glory of the LORD endures forever should instill in us an unshakeable confidence in His character – His promises are steadfast, His power is unwavering, and His love is eternal. This truth anchors our faith in a turbulent world, reminding us that the ultimate reality is God's unchanging majesty. Furthermore, understanding that the LORD rejoices in His works transforms our appreciation for creation. It calls us to see the natural world not merely as resources or scenery, but as a vibrant expression of divine artistry, a source of God's own delight. This should inspire us to greater stewardship, reverence, and wonder for the environment, recognizing that to care for creation is to honor the Creator. It also challenges us to consider our own "works" – our actions, our contributions, our lives – and whether they are undertaken in a way that brings joy and honor to God, reflecting His own perfect satisfaction in His creative endeavors. Our lives, too, can become a source of God's delight when lived in alignment with His purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does God truly experience emotions like "joy" as humans do?
While we must be careful not to project human limitations onto God, the Bible frequently uses anthropomorphic language to describe God's character and actions in ways we can understand. When Psalms 104:31 states "the LORD shall rejoice in his works," it signifies that God takes genuine, profound satisfaction and delight in His creation. This is not a fleeting human emotion, but an expression of His perfect nature and His benevolent disposition towards what He has made. It underscores that creation perfectly fulfills His wise and good purposes, bringing Him ultimate pleasure, as seen in Genesis 1:31 where He declared His creation "very good." It speaks to His active engagement and non-detachment from the world, affirming that His creation truly reflects His glorious character and brings Him immense, eternal pleasure.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 104:31 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not only the agent through whom all things were created, as John 1:3 declares that "all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made," but He is also the very "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3). The eternal glory of the LORD, which endures forever, is perfectly embodied and revealed in Christ. Furthermore, Christ is the one through whom God's works are not only created but also sustained ("upholding the universe by his word of power" in Hebrews 1:3) and ultimately redeemed, bringing God even greater joy. The "works" in which the LORD rejoices include not only the original creation but also the new creation inaugurated through Christ's redemptive work. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ restores humanity to its intended relationship with God and creation, bringing forth a new heavens and a new earth (Revelation 21:1), in which God's glory will shine eternally and His joy in His redeemed works will be complete and everlasting. Thus, the joy of the LORD in His works culminates in the work of redemption accomplished by Christ, making it possible for all creation to truly glorify God.