What does Psalms 104:13 mean?

He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. Psalms 104:13

Explanation

Psalm 104:13 focuses on the providential care of God as the provider and sustainer of the earth. The imagery is of God watering the hills from His dwelling place, which is often perceived to be in the heavens. The phrase “from his chambers” suggests a celestial origin, indicating that the rain comes down from the sky where God resides. The result of this divine irrigation is that the “earth is satisfied,” pointing to the idea of God’s creation being content and flourishing through His nurturing. The “fruit of thy works” suggests that the bountifulness of nature is a direct result of God’s creative activity and His ongoing involvement in the world.

Historical Context

Psalms 104 is a hymn of praise that reflects the Hebrews’ appreciation of the natural world as God’s creation. It was likely composed during the post-exilic period when the nation of Israel was re-establishing itself and temple worship. The psalm as a whole has parallels with the creation account in Genesis and also reflects ancient Near Eastern concepts of the cosmic order. The historical setting would have been one where agrarian societies heavily depended on rain for their crops, making the imagery of divine watering profoundly significant.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints read this verse through varying lenses:

• Jewish Interpretation: In the Jewish tradition, this verse is a celebration of God as the sustainer of life, an appreciation of God’s continuous nurturing of the world.
• Christian Interpretation: Christians often see this verse as symbolic of God’s grace, which nourishes and satisfies the spiritual needs of humankind, much like rain sustains the earth.
• Environmental Theology: From an environmental perspective, this verse is seen as an acknowledgment of God’s role in the creation and an implicit responsibility placed on humanity to steward the environment effectively.

Practical Applications

Psalm 104:13 can be applied in daily life by fostering a sense of gratitude for the natural environment and recognizing the importance of conserving it. It underscores the belief that all provisions come from a higher power and encourages humility and dependence on that power for sustenance. Practical applications include nurturing care for one’s surroundings and engaging in environmental conservation efforts.

Cross-References

• Genesis 2:6 – “But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.”
• Job 5:10 – “Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields:”
• Isaiah 55:10 – “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:”

Language Study

In the original Hebrew text:

• “He watereth” (משקה / mashqeh): This verb form is the Hiphil participle of שקה (shaqah), meaning to give to drink, to irrigate, or to water. It indicates an ongoing action.
• “Hills” (הרים / harim): Refers to mountains or hills, often used symbolically for places of strength or fortitude.
• “Chambers” (עליות / aliyyot): Derives from a root meaning to go up or ascend, suggesting an elevated position, typically understood as the abode of God.
• “Satisfied” (תשבע / tisba): Comes from the root שבע (sab’a), meaning to be satiated or filled to satisfaction.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient myths from cultures surrounding Israel, such as the Canaanite tales of Baal or the Mesopotamian stories of Tiamat, often included gods who controlled the weather and provided for the fertility of the earth. Psalm 104:13 aligns with this wider ancient Near Eastern religious concept but is distinct in attributing this power exclusively to the God of Israel.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science understands the water cycle as a natural process involving evaporation and precipitation. The idea of “watering the hills” could be seen as referring to this cycle, albeit described in prescientific terms. The satisfaction of the earth with water correlates with the understanding that ecosystems thrive with adequate rainfall.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: He suggests that the verse speaks of the “plenty and abundance of the products of the earth” as a testament to God’s bounty.
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Barnes emphasizes the role of rain in making the earth bring forth fruit, appreciating the provision of God through natural processes.
• The Pulpit Commentary: It discusses the wonder and majesty of God’s creation, seen in the complexities and sustenance of life, which the verse captures poetically.