Psalms 104:16
The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;
Original Language Analysis
יִ֭שְׂבְּעוּ
are full
H7646
יִ֭שְׂבְּעוּ
are full
Strong's:
H7646
Word #:
1 of 7
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
עֲצֵ֣י
The trees
H6086
עֲצֵ֣י
The trees
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
2 of 7
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַֽרְזֵ֥י
of sap the cedars
H730
אַֽרְזֵ֥י
of sap the cedars
Strong's:
H730
Word #:
4 of 7
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
Cross References
Ezekiel 17:23In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.Numbers 24:6As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.Psalms 92:2To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,Psalms 29:5The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
Historical Context
Lebanon's cedars were prized throughout the ancient Near East for construction, particularly Solomon's temple (1 Kings 5:6). These majestic trees represented the apex of natural splendor and strength.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing even the mightiest elements of creation as dependent on God humble your self-sufficiency?
- What does being 'planted by the LORD' mean for your spiritual growth and fruitfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
The trees of the LORD—even Lebanon's cedars that He planted—are 'full of sap' (satisfied). Even the mightiest trees depend entirely on God's watering. The cedars of Lebanon were famous for strength and beauty, yet they too rely on divine provision. This humbles human pride—if great cedars depend on God, how much more humans? 'Trees of the LORD' (atsei YHWH) suggests these magnificent trees particularly display God's glory. Christ used trees as object lessons (Matt 7:17-20), and believers are described as trees planted by water (Ps 1:3).