Psalms 74:16

KJV

The day [is] thine, the night also [is] thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.

KJV (with Strong's)

The day {H3117} is thine, the night {H3915} also is thine: thou hast prepared {H3559}{H8689)} the light {H3974} and the sun {H8121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The day is yours, and the night is yours; it was you who established light and sun.

Berean Standard Bible

The day is Yours, and also the night; You established the moon and the sun.

American Standard Version

The day is thine, the night also is thine: Thou hast prepared the light and the sun.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 74:16 stands as a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous control over the created order and the very fabric of time. Amidst a communal lament over national devastation, the psalmist pivots to affirm that the cycles of day and night, along with the existence of light and the sun, are exclusively God's possession and the direct result of His intentional design. This verse serves as a profound theological anchor, reminding both the psalmist and the reader of God's unchanging power and dominion, even when earthly circumstances appear chaotic and devoid of divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 74 is a communal lament, one of the "Asaphic" psalms, characterized by a deep cry for divine intervention in the face of national catastrophe. Verses 1-11 vividly describe the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, expressing profound grief and questioning God's apparent absence. However, verses 12-17 mark a significant pivot. The psalmist shifts from lamenting present devastation to recalling God's mighty acts of creation and salvation in the past, particularly His victory over primeval chaos (often interpreted through the lens of ancient Near Eastern myths, reinterpreted biblically as God's orderly creation). This strategic declaration of God's cosmic dominion, culminating in verse 16, serves as the theological foundation for the psalmist's subsequent appeal (verses 18-23) for God to remember His covenant and intervene on behalf of His beleaguered people. By affirming God's unchanging control over creation, the psalmist builds a compelling case for His ability and responsibility to restore order to their chaotic human affairs.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific historical event behind Psalm 74 is debated, but the vivid description of the Temple's destruction strongly suggests the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, which led to the exile of the Judean population. This period was one of immense theological crisis for Israel, as the Temple was considered God's dwelling place and a symbol of His covenant presence. Its destruction raised profound questions about God's power, faithfulness, and the future of His people. In such a context, affirming God's control over the most fundamental elements of creation—day, night, light, and sun—was not merely a theological statement but a desperate act of faith. It reminded the community that even if their earthly sanctuary lay in ruins, the cosmic order established by God remained, testifying to His enduring power and providing a basis for hope that He could restore their fortunes. Culturally, this also resonated with ancient Near Eastern cosmologies, where deities were often associated with control over natural phenomena, but the psalmist here emphatically attributes this singular, absolute control to Yahweh alone.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully asserts God's ultimate ownership and control over all aspects of existence. The emphatic declaration, "The day [is] thine, the night also [is] thine," signifies that not only the physical creation but also time itself is under His exclusive dominion. This theme underscores God's unchallengeable authority, providing a stable point of reference in a world that feels unstable and out of control. It reminds the lamenting community that despite their present suffering, God's reign remains absolute, a truth echoed throughout the biblical narrative, from the beginning of [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") to the end of [Revelation 22](/revelation/22 "Revelation 22 - The New Heaven and Earth"). Psalm 74:16 highlights God's role as the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The phrase "thou hast prepared the light and the sun" points directly to His intentional and orderly act of bringing the cosmos into being, a foundational truth echoed in the majestic account of creation found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). This theme emphasizes that God is not a distant deity but one who actively designed and continues to uphold the very fabric of reality, ensuring the consistent cycles of nature. The mention of day, night, light, and sun emphasizes the structured and purposeful design of the natural world, all orchestrated by God. This divine order stands in stark contrast to the chaos, destruction, and apparent abandonment that the psalmist is lamenting in the earlier verses of [Psalm 74](/psalms/74 "Psalm 74 - A Plea for Deliverance"). By recalling this cosmic order, the psalmist implicitly asks why the same God who maintains such perfect order in the heavens allows such disorder and devastation on earth, thereby strengthening the plea for divine intervention. For the psalmist, God's undeniable power over creation becomes the theological basis for an urgent plea for deliverance from their enemies. If God controls the heavens and the most fundamental elements of the cosmos, surely He can control the affairs of men and nations, and bring about justice and restoration for His people. This affirmation of God's cosmic power is not an abstract theological statement but a deeply practical and hopeful appeal for Him to act in their desperate situation, as seen in the concluding verses of the psalm, [Psalm 74:18-23](/psalms/74-18-23 "Psalm 74:18-23 - A Plea for Divine Intervention").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** (H3117) From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term). In this context, "day" signifies the period of light, representing one half of the temporal cycle and symbolizing clarity, activity, and God's manifest presence. Its declaration as "thine" emphasizes God's absolute ownership and control over all periods of time, both literal and metaphorical.
* **Night (Hebrew, _layil'_):** (H3915) Properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity. "Night" represents the period of darkness, the other half of the temporal cycle, and can metaphorically signify times of trouble, sorrow, or apparent divine absence. The psalmist's declaration that "the night also is thine" is particularly poignant in a lament, affirming that even the darkest, most difficult seasons are under God's ultimate dominion and do not fall outside His sovereign control.
* **Prepared (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** (H3559) A primitive root; properly, 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). This verb signifies an intentional, purposeful, and permanent act of ordering and establishing. God didn't merely create light and the sun; He "prepared" them, meticulously setting them in place with specific functions and ensuring their consistent operation within the cosmic order. This highlights God's wisdom, foresight, and ongoing maintenance of creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The day [is] thine, the night also [is] thine":** This opening clause emphatically declares God's absolute sovereignty over time itself. The temporal cycles of light and darkness, which govern all human activity and natural processes, are not autonomous but are under God's direct ownership and control. This statement serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest "night" of national suffering, the "day" and "night" ultimately belong to the Lord, implying His ultimate authority over all circumstances, good or bad, and His ability to bring about change.
* **"thou hast prepared the light and the sun":** This second clause specifies the means by which God governs day and night – through His intentional establishment of light and the sun. "Light" here likely refers to the primordial light created on the first day of creation, distinct from the specific celestial bodies. "The sun" then refers to the greater light established on the fourth day, which governs the day. By linking these fundamental elements of creation to God's deliberate "preparation," the psalmist reinforces God's role as the cosmic architect, who not only brought existence into being but also meticulously ordered its functions and sustains its operations, demonstrating His omnipotence and wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 74:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine sovereignty. Foremost is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "the day is thine, the night also is thine" reiterates the same truth of divine ownership over time through two complementary phrases. This is mirrored in "thou hast prepared the light and the sun," which likewise pairs two essential elements of creation under God's active establishment. This repetition emphasizes the totality and comprehensiveness of God's control. The use of **Merism** is also evident, where "day and night" represent the entirety of time, and "light and sun" represent the entirety of the cosmic order that illuminates the world. By naming these two extremes, the psalmist encompasses everything in between, asserting God's comprehensive dominion over all aspects of existence. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, shifting the tone from lament to a confident assertion of God's unchanging nature and power. This declarative stance serves to bolster faith and provide a theological basis for the psalmist's subsequent appeal to God for intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things. It grounds hope in God's unchanging character, asserting that the same power that meticulously ordered the cosmos is available to bring order to human chaos. In times of distress, when God's presence feels distant or His purposes unclear, this declaration anchors believers in the truth that God remains on His throne, actively governing the universe. His control over the fundamental cycles of day and night, and the very sources of light, testifies to His faithfulness and omnipotence, providing a stable foundation for trust even when earthly foundations crumble. This cosmic order is a testament to God's covenant faithfulness, suggesting that if He upholds the laws of nature, He will also uphold His promises to His people.

* [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God Creates the Heavens and the Earth")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Forms Light and Creates Darkness")
* [Jeremiah 33:20-21](/jeremiah/33-20-21 "Jeremiah 33:20-21 - Covenant with Day and Night")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by uncertainty, upheaval, and a pervasive sense of loss of control, Psalms 74:16 offers a profound anchor for the soul. It calls us to lift our gaze beyond our immediate circumstances of chaos and despair, whether personal or global, and to fix them upon the unchanging, sovereign God who meticulously "prepared the light and the sun." This truth reminds us that the same divine hand that orchestrates the consistent, dependable cycles of day and night, ensuring light follows darkness, is intimately involved in the seemingly unpredictable events of our lives. When we feel overwhelmed by the "night" of suffering or confusion, this verse invites us to trust in God's ultimate ownership of time and His purposeful design. It encourages us to surrender our anxieties, knowing that the One who sustains the cosmos is fully capable of sustaining us, bringing order out of our personal chaos, and ultimately fulfilling His purposes, even through the darkest valleys. Our hope is not in the absence of night, but in the certainty that the day and night both belong to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God's sovereignty over time ("the day is thine, the night also is thine") impact your perspective during times of personal or global chaos?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust in God's "preparation" and ordering, rather than trying to control them yourself?**
* **How can the consistent, orderly cycles of nature (day, night, sun) serve as a daily reminder of God's faithfulness and power in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist pivot to God's creative power in a lament psalm?**

Answer: The psalmist's pivot to God's creative power in Psalm 74 is a strategic and deeply theological move. In the midst of profound lament over the destruction of the Temple and national suffering, the psalmist is not merely recalling past glories but appealing to God's unchanging character and omnipotence. By declaring that "the day [is] thine, the night also [is] thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun," the psalmist reminds God (and the community) that if He is sovereign over the entire cosmos, establishing its fundamental order and sustaining its cycles, then He is certainly capable of restoring order to His people's chaotic circumstances. It's a plea rooted in the conviction that the God who controls the heavens is able and responsible to act in the affairs of humanity, specifically on behalf of His covenant people. This affirmation of cosmic dominion provides a necessary theological foundation for hope and a powerful basis for the psalmist's subsequent urgent plea for divine intervention, as seen in [Psalm 74:18-23](/psalms/74-18-23 "Psalm 74:18-23 - A Plea for Divine Intervention").

**How does this verse relate to the Genesis creation account?**

Answer: Psalms 74:16 directly echoes and affirms the foundational truths of the [Genesis creation account](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). The mention of "the day," "the night," "the light," and "the sun" explicitly points back to God's creative acts in Genesis 1. God separated light from darkness, called the light "day" and the darkness "night" on the first day ([Genesis 1:3-5](/genesis/1-3-5 "Genesis 1:3-5 - God Creates Light and Darkness")). Later, on the fourth day, God "made the two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night" ([Genesis 1:16](/genesis/1-16 "Genesis 1:16 - God Creates the Sun, Moon, and Stars")). The psalmist's use of "thou hast prepared" (כּוֹנַנְתָּ) aligns perfectly with the Genesis depiction of God's intentional, orderly, and purposeful creation, emphasizing His absolute control and design over the cosmos. This connection reinforces the consistent biblical portrayal of God as the sole, sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 74:16, with its resounding declaration of God's sovereignty over time and creation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "day" and "night," "light" and "sun" that belong to the Father are all established and upheld through the Son. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the active agent of creation, the very one through whom all things were made and by whom they are sustained. As [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ") declares, "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." Similarly, [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") affirms 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." The divine "preparation" of light and the sun, and the ordering of day and night, are thus Christ's work, demonstrating His pre-eminence and sustaining power. Furthermore, Jesus is revealed as the ultimate "light" that God prepared, the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World") who dispels spiritual darkness. His resurrection marks the dawn of a new "day" for humanity, overcoming the "night" of sin and death. Therefore, the cosmic order celebrated in Psalm 74:16 points forward to Christ, who not only created and sustains the universe but also brings ultimate order and redemption to a chaotic world through His sovereign rule, ultimately establishing a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more night, for the [Lord God gives them light](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - No More Night").

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 136:7

To him that made great lights: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

Psalms 136:9

The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

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.

Psalms 104:19

¶ He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.

Genesis 1:14

¶ And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

Genesis 1:18

And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that [it was] good.

Psalms 19:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.