Psalms 147:9

KJV

He giveth to the beast his food, [and] to the young ravens which cry.

KJV (with Strong's)

He giveth {H5414} to the beast {H929} his food {H3899}, and to the young {H1121} ravens {H6158} which cry {H7121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he gives food to the animals, even to the young ravens when they cry.

Berean Standard Bible

He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call.

American Standard Version

He giveth to the beast his food, Andto the young ravens which cry.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 147:9 profoundly declares God's meticulous and universal providence, showcasing His active and compassionate involvement in sustaining all of creation. This verse highlights the Lord's unwavering attentiveness, extending His generous provision not only to the wild beasts but also to the most vulnerable and seemingly insignificant creatures, such as the young ravens, thereby underscoring His comprehensive and impartial care for every living thing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 147 is a magnificent hymn of praise, likely composed during or after the post-exilic period, celebrating God's dual attributes: His majestic power over the cosmos and His tender, intimate care for His people, particularly in the restoration of Jerusalem. The psalm opens by extolling God's greatness and His delight in those who fear Him and hope in His steadfast love, as seen in His healing of the brokenhearted and binding up their wounds ([psalms/147-1-3 "Psalm 147:1-3 - God's Greatness and Healing"]). It then transitions to His cosmic power, noting His ability to count and name the stars ([psalms/147-4 "Psalm 147:4 - God Names the Stars"]) and His limitless understanding ([psalms/147-5 "Psalm 147:5 - God's Great Understanding"]). Verses 8-9 specifically focus on God's meteorological control—sending rain, making grass grow—and His provision for all creatures, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that emphasize His particular favor towards Israel, not based on human strength but on His word and statutes ([psalms/147-19-20 "Psalm 147:19-20 - God's Word to Israel"]). Thus, verse 9 serves as a crucial bridge, demonstrating God's universal, impartial care before the psalm narrows its focus to His covenantal relationship with His chosen people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel, like many ancient societies, was deeply agrarian and acutely aware of its dependence on natural cycles, especially rainfall, for sustenance. The mention of "food" and "beast" points to the fundamental necessities of life in a pastoral and agricultural society. Ravens, often considered unclean birds under Mosaic Law ([leviticus/11-15 "Leviticus 11:15 - Unclean Birds"]), were nevertheless a common sight, known for their scavenging habits and the loud, insistent cries of their young. The imagery of young ravens crying for food would have been immediately recognizable as a picture of utter helplessness and dependence. In a culture where human survival was often precarious and directly linked to divine favor (or lack thereof, as seen in drought and famine), the assurance that God provides even for wild animals, particularly those considered "unclean" or insignificant, would have been profoundly comforting and a powerful testament to His comprehensive sovereignty and benevolence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 147 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence**, emphasizing God's continuous, active, and meticulous involvement in sustaining all life. It is not a one-time act of creation but an ongoing, moment-by-moment provision. Secondly, it highlights **Universal Sustenance**, demonstrating that God's care extends beyond humanity to encompass the entire animal kingdom, from the largest "beast" to the smallest "young ravens." This breadth of care speaks to His impartial goodness. Thirdly, the specific mention of "young ravens which cry" foregrounds **God's Attention to the Vulnerable and Seemingly Insignificant**. Ravens, often overlooked or even disdained, and their young, particularly helpless and noisy, become a poignant example of God's comprehensive and compassionate care, reaching even to those creatures not typically valued by humans. This theme is beautifully echoed in Jesus' teaching, where He points to God's care for birds as an assurance of His even greater care for humanity, as found in [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - Do Not Worry") and [Luke 12:24](/luke/12-24 "Luke 12:24 - Consider the Ravens").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **giveth (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, this primitive root signifies "to give," used with vast latitude of application. In this context, it is a present participle, indicating a continuous, ongoing action rather than a one-time event. It conveys God's active, sustained, and regular provision, highlighting His constant involvement in the sustenance of life. This isn't passive creation but active, moment-by-moment care, demonstrating His benevolent and ever-present hand.
* **food (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** From H3899, this term refers to sustenance for man or beast, especially bread or grain. It represents the basic necessities for life and survival. The use of this word emphasizes that God provides the fundamental, life-sustaining elements required for all creatures to thrive, directly addressing their most primal needs with precision and sufficiency.
* **young ravens which cry (Hebrew, _bên ʻôrêb qârâʼ'_):** This phrase combines H1121 ("son," indicating "young"), H6158 ("raven," from its dusky hue), and H7121 ("to call out," "cry"). The "young ravens" (literally "sons of raven") vividly depict vulnerable, dependent fledglings. The verb "cry" (a present participle, like "giveth") paints a picture of their persistent, noisy clamor for nourishment, underscoring their utter helplessness and desperate need. The specific mention of ravens, often seen as unclean or undesirable, highlights the impartiality and meticulousness of God's provision, extending even to creatures not typically esteemed by humans.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He giveth to the beast his food":** This clause establishes the universal scope of God's provision. The "beast" (H929, _bᵉhêmâh'_, referring to any large quadruped or animal, often collectively) represents the wild, untamed creatures of the earth. God is depicted as the active, continuous provider of their sustenance, ensuring that even animals in their natural habitats receive what they need to survive. This emphasizes God's sovereign control over the natural order and His benevolent care for all His creation, not just humanity. It speaks to His comprehensive management of the entire ecosystem.
* **"and to the young ravens which cry":** This second clause narrows the focus to a specific, highly vulnerable, and often overlooked example. "Young ravens" are a symbol of utter dependence and helplessness, known for their loud, insistent cries when hungry. The phrase highlights God's meticulous attention to detail and His compassion for the weakest and most seemingly insignificant creatures. It underscores that God's providence is not merely broad but also deeply personal and attentive to the specific, even desperate, needs of His creatures, irrespective of their perceived value or human judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the portrayal of God as actively "giving" food, attributing a human-like action to the divine to convey His direct and personal involvement in creation's sustenance. This emphasizes His relational and caring nature. **Imagery** is vividly used, particularly in the depiction of "young ravens which cry," evoking a strong sensory experience of their noisy, desperate hunger and vulnerability. This specific imagery serves as a poignant and memorable example of God's comprehensive care, appealing to the reader's empathy. The verse also utilizes a form of **Merism** or **Synecdoche** by mentioning "the beast" (representing large, wild animals) and "young ravens" (representing small, vulnerable, often disdained creatures). By naming these two seemingly disparate categories, the psalmist implies that God's provision extends to *all* living things, from the largest to the smallest, the most powerful to the most helpless, and the most esteemed to the most overlooked. This rhetorical strategy powerfully emphasizes the universality and completeness of God's providence, leaving no creature outside the scope of His care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 147:9 is a profound theological statement on God's active and comprehensive providence, asserting that His care is not limited to humanity but extends to every living creature. This verse undergirds the biblical truth that all life is utterly dependent on the Creator for its existence and sustenance. It challenges any notion of a deistic God who merely set the world in motion, instead presenting a God who is intimately and continuously involved in the daily provision for His creation. This divine characteristic highlights God's immense power, wisdom, and boundless compassion, demonstrating that His watchful eye misses nothing and His generous hand withholds no necessary good from His creatures. The specific mention of ravens, often considered unclean, further emphasizes the impartiality and gratuitous nature of God's care, extending even to those outside human systems of value or preference, thereby magnifying His universal benevolence.

* [Job 38:41](/job/38-41 "God's Provision for Ravens")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Consider the Birds of the Air")
* [Luke 12:24](/luke/12-24 "Consider the Ravens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers immense comfort and a powerful call to trust in God's unfailing provision. If the Creator of the universe meticulously attends to the needs of wild animals and the cries of helpless fledglings, how much more will He care for His human children, who are made in His image and are the objects of His redemptive love? This truth should liberate us from anxiety and worry about our daily needs, inviting us to rest in the certainty that our Heavenly Father knows what we need and delights to provide for us. It fosters a profound sense of humility, reminding us that, like the beasts and ravens, our very existence and every breath we take are gifts from His gracious hand. Furthermore, it cultivates a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of creation and our role as stewards, recognizing that all life is precious to God and sustained by His ongoing care. This understanding should inspire us to live with gratitude and to extend care to all of God's creation, reflecting His own benevolent character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the knowledge of God's provision for wild animals and ravens impact your personal anxieties about your own needs (physical, emotional, spiritual)?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of trust and dependence on God's daily provision in your life, especially when faced with uncertainty?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the value God places on all of His creation, and how might that influence our own stewardship of the natural world and its creatures?**
* **Considering the "young ravens which cry," how does God's attention to the vulnerable and seemingly insignificant challenge your own perceptions of worth and importance, both for yourself and for others?**

### FAQ
**Why specifically mention ravens, which were considered unclean birds in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The specific mention of ravens is highly significant precisely because they were considered unclean under Mosaic Law, as detailed in [Leviticus 11:15](/leviticus/11-15 "Leviticus 11:15 - Unclean Birds"). This detail highlights the impartiality and universality of God's provision. It demonstrates that God's care extends beyond what humans might deem "clean," "valuable," or "desirable" to encompass all creatures, even those often overlooked or disdained. The "young ravens" are particularly helpless and noisy in their hunger, making them a poignant example of utter dependence. Their inclusion underscores that God's compassion and provision reach to the very margins, assuring us that if He cares for these, He certainly cares for all. This theme is later echoed by Jesus in [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - Consider the Birds") and [Luke 12:24](/luke/12-24 "Luke 12:24 - Consider the Ravens"), where He uses the example of ravens to teach about God's even greater care for His human children, who are of much more value.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 147:9, with its declaration of God's universal and meticulous provision for creation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament reveals God as the sustainer of all life, the New Testament unveils Jesus as the very agent through whom all things were created and are continually held together by His powerful word ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ the Creator and Sustainer")). The divine "giveth" of the Father in Psalms is perfectly embodied in the Son, who not only provides physical sustenance, as seen in His miraculous feeding of the multitudes ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), but also offers Himself as the true "Bread of Life," satisfying the deepest spiritual hunger of humanity ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")). Jesus' teachings, particularly His exhortations against worry, directly echo the psalmist's message, assuring His disciples that if God cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, He will surely provide for His children, who are of far greater worth ([Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")). Ultimately, Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the supreme act of divine provision, giving His life to redeem humanity from sin and death, thereby providing eternal sustenance and life to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, the general providence of God for "beast" and "raven" in Psalm 147:9 foreshadows the specific, redemptive, and all-encompassing provision found in Jesus Christ, the one through whom all life, both physical and spiritual, is sustained and perfected.

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

Psalms 104:27

These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give [them] their meat in due season.

Psalms 104:28

[That] thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.

Job 38:41

Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

Matthew 6:26

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Psalms 136:25

Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 145:15

The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

Psalms 145:16

Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.