Psalms 147:8

KJV

Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who covereth {H3680} the heaven {H8064} with clouds {H5645}, who prepareth {H3559} rain {H4306} for the earth {H776}, who maketh grass {H2682} to grow {H6779} upon the mountains {H2022}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He veils the sky with clouds; he provides the earth with rain; he makes grass grow on the hills;

Berean Standard Bible

who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the hills.

American Standard Version

Who covereth the heavens with clouds, Who prepareth rain for the earth, Who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 147:8 presents a magnificent declaration of God's sovereign and benevolent control over the natural world, highlighting His meticulous provision for all creation. It portrays the Lord as the active orchestrator of the meteorological cycle, from cloaking the heavens with clouds to sending life-giving rain upon the earth, culminating in the flourishing of vegetation, even in seemingly barren or elevated terrains like mountains. This verse serves as a profound testament to God's omnipotence, wisdom, and continuous care, revealing His intimate involvement in sustaining the very fabric of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise, part of the final collection of Psalms (Book 5, Psalms 107-150), which often emphasize God's kingship and universal dominion. The psalm opens with an exhortation to praise God for His goodness and power, initially focusing on His restorative work for Israel (e.g., healing the brokenhearted in [Psalm 147:3](/psalms/147-3 "Psalm 147:3 - God Heals the Brokenhearted")) and His knowledge of the stars (e.g., [Psalm 147:4](/psalms/147-4 "Psalm 147:4 - God Names the Stars")). Verse 8, however, marks a significant transition, shifting the focus from God's particular care for His people and His cosmic ordering to His universal provision for the earth's ecosystem. This transition underscores the breadth of God's benevolent rule, encompassing both humanity and the natural order, before returning to themes of God's favor for Israel in later verses (e.g., [Psalm 147:19-20](/psalms/147-19 "Psalm 147:19-20 - God's Word to Jacob")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, rain was not merely a weather phenomenon but a direct manifestation of divine blessing and provision. Life itself depended on timely and sufficient rainfall, making God's control over the heavens a matter of ultimate survival and trust. The mention of "mountains" is significant; while fertile valleys were naturally productive, mountains were often perceived as rugged, less hospitable, or even barren. The idea of grass growing "upon the mountains" therefore emphasizes the extraordinary extent of God's provision, reaching even the most challenging and elevated terrains, showcasing His comprehensive and abundant care that transcends human limitations or expectations. This understanding aligns with the broader ancient Near Eastern worldview where deities were often associated with natural forces, but uniquely, the God of Israel is portrayed as the singular, benevolent, and active sovereign over all creation, unlike the capricious gods of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Sustenance**, demonstrating God's active and continuous involvement in maintaining the created order. He is not a distant deity but intimately engaged in the daily processes that sustain life, from the grand scale of meteorological cycles to the minute detail of vegetation growth, echoing the themes of God's provision seen in [Psalm 104](/psalms/104 "Psalm 104 - A Psalm of Creation and Provision"). Secondly, it underscores God's **Omnipotence and Wisdom**, as the intricate and reliable cycle of clouds, rain, and growth, even in difficult environments, testifies to His immense power and intelligent design. This speaks to a God who not only creates but also meticulously manages His creation with perfect foresight and capability. Thirdly, the verse subtly conveys God's **Universal and Unconditional Care**, extending His provision beyond human habitation to all corners of the earth, including seemingly wild or inaccessible places like mountains. This universal scope of divine care foreshadows the broader biblical truth that God's goodness is poured out on all His creatures, as articulated in [Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Rain on the Just and Unjust").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covereth (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** This verb (H3680) means "to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy); clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm." In the context of "heaven with clouds," it conveys an active, intentional, and complete blanketing. It's not a passive accumulation but a deliberate act of God, adorning or shrouding the sky with clouds, which are themselves instruments of His provision. This suggests a divine artistry and purpose in the formation of cloud cover.
* **Prepareth (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** The root (H3559) signifies "to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous)." Here, it emphasizes God's deliberate planning, establishment, and making ready of the rain. It highlights His foresight and purposeful design in orchestrating the water cycle, ensuring that rain is not a random occurrence but a prepared blessing for the earth. This speaks to the reliability and intentionality of divine provision.
* **Maketh grass to grow (Hebrew, _tsâmach'_):** The verb (H6779) means "to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); bear, bring forth, (cause to, make to) bud (forth), (cause to, make to) grow (again, up), (cause to) spring (forth, up)." This word underscores God as the ultimate source of life and growth, directly involved in the flourishing of vegetation. The specific mention of "grass" (Hebrew, _châtsîyr'_ - H2682) and its growth "upon the mountains" (Hebrew, _har'_ - H2022) highlights the extraordinary nature of this provision. Mountains, often rocky and exposed, are challenging environments for growth. God's ability to make grass grow even there demonstrates the boundless reach and power of His life-giving hand, ensuring sustenance even in seemingly inhospitable places.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who covereth the heaven with clouds":** This opening clause establishes God's supreme authority over the atmospheric realm. He is the one who actively and intentionally drapes the vast expanse of the sky with clouds. This imagery evokes a sense of divine majesty and control, as the clouds, often seen as mysterious and powerful, are entirely subject to His will and purpose. It sets the stage for the subsequent acts of provision.
* **"who prepareth rain for the earth":** Building on the first clause, this segment reveals the specific purpose of the cloud cover: to deliver rain. The verb "prepareth" signifies a deliberate, well-ordered, and purposeful act. God does not merely allow rain to happen; He actively orchestrates its coming, ensuring it is ready and available for the earth's needs. This highlights His foresight and benevolent design in sustaining life.
* **"who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains":** This final clause illustrates the tangible outcome and the far-reaching extent of God's provision. The rain, prepared and sent by Him, results in the flourishing of vegetation, specifically "grass," which is fundamental for animal life and, indirectly, human sustenance. The phrase "upon the mountains" is crucial, emphasizing that God's care extends to all terrains, even those that are rugged, elevated, or seemingly barren. It underscores the universality and comprehensive nature of His life-giving power, reaching every corner of His creation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 147:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine power and provision. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second and third clauses build upon and expand the thought of the first. "Who covereth the heaven with clouds" leads to the purpose of those clouds, "who prepareth rain for the earth," which then culminates in the result, "who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains." This progression creates a sense of logical flow and increasing impact. **Imagery** is richly used, painting vivid pictures of God's active involvement: the heavens being "covered" like a blanket, rain being "prepared" like a meal, and grass "growing" even on rugged mountainsides. This sensory language helps the reader visualize God's direct hand in nature. Furthermore, there is an element of **Merism** in the scope of God's activity, moving from the vast "heaven" to the specific "mountains," implying His comprehensive control over all aspects of the natural world, from the grandest to the most detailed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical doctrine of God's ongoing **providence**—His continuous and active care for His creation. It asserts that God is not merely a deistic clockmaker who wound up the universe and left it to run, but an intimately involved Sustainer who meticulously oversees the very processes that enable life to flourish. His control over meteorological phenomena and botanical growth underscores His absolute sovereignty and His benevolent disposition towards all His creatures. This active provision is a demonstration of His covenant faithfulness, not only to humanity but also to the broader created order, ensuring the conditions necessary for life persist. The verse invites a posture of trust and worship, recognizing that the intricate cycles of nature are not random occurrences but direct expressions of divine wisdom and power, ensuring the sustenance of all living things.

* [Job 38:25-27](/job/38-25 "Job 38:25-27 - God's Control Over Rain and Wilderness")
* [Psalm 65:9-10](/psalms/65-9 "Psalm 65:9-10 - God's Provision for the Earth")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Feeds the Birds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 147:8 offers a powerful invitation to contemplate the profound depths of God's daily, active care for His creation, and by extension, for us. In a world often prone to anxiety about provision and security, this verse serves as a comforting reminder that the same God who meticulously orchestrates the vast cloud formations, prepares the life-giving rain, and ensures the growth of grass even on challenging mountain terrains, is intimately concerned with our well-being. It calls us to cultivate a deeper sense of trust, knowing that if God so faithfully provides for the natural world, He will surely attend to the needs of His beloved children. This understanding should foster a spirit of profound gratitude, transforming our perception of everyday phenomena like rain or green landscapes into tangible expressions of divine goodness. Furthermore, it encourages responsible **stewardship** of the earth, recognizing that we are entrusted with a world that God Himself actively sustains and cherishes, prompting us to care for creation as an act of worship and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's active role in providing rain and growth change your perspective on everyday natural phenomena?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more fully for His provision, based on His demonstrated care for creation?**
* **What practical steps can you take to express gratitude for God's sustaining power in the world around you?**
* **How does the idea of God making grass grow "upon the mountains" speak to His ability to provide in seemingly impossible or difficult circumstances in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalm specifically mention "mountains" for grass to grow upon?**

Answer: The mention of "mountains" (Hebrew, _har'_) is significant because mountains were often rugged, rocky, and less fertile compared to valleys or plains. For grass to grow abundantly "upon the mountains" emphasizes the extraordinary and comprehensive nature of God's provision. It showcases His power to bring life and sustenance even to seemingly inhospitable or challenging environments, demonstrating that His care is not limited to easily accessible or naturally productive areas but extends universally to all corners of His creation. This highlights the boundless reach and efficacy of His benevolent power, ensuring that no place is beyond His ability to provide.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's "providence"?**

Answer: This verse is a quintessential illustration of God's **providence**. Divine providence refers to God's continuous activity in the universe, by which He preserves and governs all creation, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled. Psalm 147:8 directly demonstrates this by showing God actively "covering" the heavens, "preparing" rain, and "making" grass grow. These are not passive or distant acts but ongoing, intentional interventions that sustain the natural order. It affirms that God is not merely the Creator but also the active Sustainer of the world, meticulously overseeing every detail of its operation to provide for life, as seen throughout the biblical narrative, from [Genesis 8:22](/genesis/8-22 "Genesis 8:22 - God's Covenant with Noah") to [Acts 17:28](/acts/17-28 "Acts 17:28 - In Him We Live and Move").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 147:8 directly celebrates Yahweh's sovereign control over creation, its themes of divine sustenance and life-giving provision find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that Christ is not merely an agent of God's creation but the very means by which all things were made and are sustained. [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer") declares that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This means the very clouds, rain, and grass mentioned in Psalm 147:8 are not only products of God's power but are actively held in existence by the Son. Furthermore, Christ embodies the spiritual provision that far surpasses physical sustenance. Just as God provides physical rain for the earth, Jesus offers the "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst (cf. [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")), and He is the "bread of life" who gives eternal sustenance (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Thus, the God who makes grass grow on mountains is the same God who, in Christ, provides for our deepest spiritual needs, bringing life and flourishing even to the most barren and desolate places of the human heart, fulfilling the promise of abundant life (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")).

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 5:10

Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields:

Psalms 65:9

Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, [which] is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

Psalms 65:13

The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

Psalms 104:13

He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

Psalms 104:14

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

Matthew 5:45

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Genesis 9:14

And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: