Psalm 104
Introduction
- Psalm 104 is often called the “Creation Psalm” because it parallels Genesis 1 in describing God’s creative work.
- Theme: God’s greatness is displayed in His creation and providential care.
- Purpose: To cultivate awe, gratitude, and trust in the Creator.
- God Of Majesty And Glory (v. 1-2a)
The psalm opens as Psalm 103 does, praising God with all the soul, with all the psalmist’s being. He acknowledges God’s majesty, picturing him as clothed with splendor and majesty as the great king. He is covered with light as a garment, radiating his glory. As 1 Timothy 6:16 says, God dwells in inapproachable light.
As God the Father has glory, Jesus, God the Son, also has glory in heaven. (John 17:5) He demonstrated this to Peter, James, and John as he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. (Matthew 17:1-9) Jesus also wanted us to see his glory in heaven. (John 17:24)
II. God The Creator of Heaven and Earth (vv. 2b-9)
The psalmist acknowledges God as the creator of all things. He created the heavens, stretching this out like a tent. (2) Isaiah used this same language: “…who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in…”. (Isaiah 40:22)
It is reflective of Genesis 1:1: “God created the heavens and the earth.” He “separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the expanse Heaven.” (Genesis 1:7-8) And he is sovereign over heaven, signified by his building of his abode on the waters and making the clouds his chariot.
God created the angels and they serve as messengers. (4) The writer of Hebrews quoted this verse to show that Jesus is greater than the angels. They worship him. (Hebrews 1:6-7)
God created the earth with its oceans. He separated the oceans from the land. (7) (Genesis 1:9) The psalmist calls this rebuking the waters. Mark used this same language when Jesus calmed the storm by rebuking it. (Mark 4:39) God set boundaries for the oceans so they cannot cover the earth again.
II. God the Provider for All Creatures (vv. 10–23)
God created the animals and birds. (Genesis 1:21, 24) He takes care of them. (Matthew 10:29) He provided water for them. (11) He provided food for them. He made places for them to live, trees, mountains, and rocks. (16-18)
God created man. (Genesis 1:26) He provided food for him. (Genesis 2:9) He gave him livestock and plants to eat, wine to make him glad, oil for anointing, and bread to strengthen him. (14-15) (Genesis 9:3)
God made the seasons and marked them with the phases of the moon. (19) God made day and night and each has its use. Man sleeps at night and works during the day. Animals hunt at night and rest during the day. (19-23) God’s plan was provision for both man and beast. It was also protection for man, as he was not out and about when the animals hunted.
III. God’s Wisdom and Glory in Creation (vv. 24–30)
God’s creation is a revelation of himself. He created them (his works in creation) in his wisdom. (24) The great variety (“manifold”) of living things of all sizes and varieties show that God is creative and powerful. Scientists estimate that even today there are 8.7 species of animals on the earth.
Paul wrote:
“For his invisible attributes, manly, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”(Romans 1:20)
God is sovereign over all of these creatures, including man. He gives them their food. When he turns away his favor, they are dismayed. They suffer when they turn from God. He controls their very life and death. (29) He gives life to men and women and he gives life to the earth. (30) All things are dependent on him. Christ upholds the universe by the word of his power. (Hebrews 1:3)
IV. Praise to the Eternal Creator (vv. 31–35)
God’s glory and power are revealed to mankind in his creation and provision. The psalmist glorifies, praises, God for these works. He sings to God and meditates on him. And he calls on us to do so.
The psalmist also knows there are wicked people, those who reject God and mar the creation. He calls for God to remove them, consume them. We do the same as we long for the return of the Lord to make all things new.
And so the psalmist ends as he began, praising God with all of his soul. May we do likewise.
Takeaways
- Psalm 104 teaches us:
- God is the majestic Creator.
- God is the faithful Provider.
- God is the wise Sustainer.
- Our right response is lifelong worship.
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