Psalms 104:13
He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.
Original Language Analysis
מַשְׁקֶ֣ה
He watereth
H8248
מַשְׁקֶ֣ה
He watereth
Strong's:
H8248
Word #:
1 of 7
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
הָ֭רִים
the hills
H2022
הָ֭רִים
the hills
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
2 of 7
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
מֵעֲלִיּוֹתָ֑יו
from his chambers
H5944
מֵעֲלִיּוֹתָ֑יו
from his chambers
Strong's:
H5944
Word #:
3 of 7
something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky
מַ֝עֲשֶׂ֗יךָ
of thy works
H4639
מַ֝עֲשֶׂ֗יךָ
of thy works
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
5 of 7
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
Cross References
Psalms 147:8Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.Jeremiah 10:13When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.Jeremiah 14:22Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.Deuteronomy 11:11But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:Acts 14:17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.Psalms 104:3Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:Job 38:37Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,Matthew 5:45That 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.Amos 9:6It is he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name.
Historical Context
In agricultural societies dependent on seasonal rains, understanding God as controlling precipitation was crucial. Rain from 'chambers' reflects ancient cosmology while emphasizing God's sovereignty over weather.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God as the source of both physical and spiritual provision shape your prayer life?
- What 'fruit of God's works' in your life produces deep satisfaction and contentment?
Analysis & Commentary
God waters hills 'from his chambers,' referring to the heavenly storehouses of rain. 'The earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works' shows creation's contentment with God's provision. Rain from above demonstrates God's heavenly care for earthly needs. The satisfaction (saba) suggests abundance, not mere sufficiency. This anticipates Christ as living water (John 4:14) satisfying spiritual thirst. The Reformed doctrine of God's providence recognizes both physical and spiritual sustenance come from God's gracious hand.