Psalms 104 - Introduction

A.M. 2962. B.C. 1042.

Though this Psalm has no title in the Hebrew, all the old versions, except the Chaldee, ascribe it to David: “and certainly,” says Dr. Dodd, “the thoughts and expressions of it throughout, and especially in the first part of it, are so lofty and grand, that it may well be supposed the composition of the royal prophet. It is universally allowed to be one of the finest poems we have upon the works of creation and the providence of God. Bishop Lowth observes, in his 29th Prelection, that “there is nothing extant which can be conceived more perfect than this Psalm.” Dr. Delaney has given it as his opinion, that it was composed by David, while he was in the forest of Hareth, where he was surrounded with those scenes which he so beautifully describes. “After some general observations,” says he, “upon the works and wisdom of God in the creation, he descends to the following particulars: the rise of springs, the course of rivers, the retreats of fowls, and wild beasts of the forests and mountains; the vicissitudes of night and day, and their various uses to the animal world; the dependance of the whole creation upon the Almighty for being and subsistence. He withdraws their breath and they die; he breathes and they revive; he but opens his hand, and he feeds, he satisfies them all at once. These are ideas familiar to him; and his manner of introducing them plainly shows them to be the effect of his most retired meditations, in his solitary wanderings.” Life of David, book 1. chap. 13. p. 138. To be more particular, the psalmist sets forth the wisdom, power, and goodness of God, displayed in the heavens and the earth, Psalms 104:1. In the various provision made for beasts, birds, and for man, the lord of all, Psalms 104:10. In the revolutions of the heavenly bodies, and the consequent interchanges of day and night, labour and rest, Psalms 104:19. In the sea, and every thing that moveth in or upon the waters, Psalms 104:25; Psalms 104:26. The dependance of the whole creation upon God, Psalms 104:27. The glory which the Creator receiveth from his works, the pleasure which he takes in them, and the power he has over them, Psalms 104:31; Psalms 104:32. The psalmist declares his resolution to praise Jehovah, and foretels the destruction of those who neglect so to do, Psalms 104:33; Psalms 104:34.