Psalms 104:21
The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.
Original Language Analysis
הַ֭כְּפִירִים
The young lions
H3715
הַ֭כְּפִירִים
The young lions
Strong's:
H3715
Word #:
1 of 6
a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
לַטָּ֑רֶף
after their prey
H2964
לַטָּ֑רֶף
after their prey
Strong's:
H2964
Word #:
3 of 6
something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food
וּלְבַקֵּ֖שׁ
and seek
H1245
וּלְבַקֵּ֖שׁ
and seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
4 of 6
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
Cross References
Job 38:39Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,Joel 1:20The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.Psalms 34:10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
Historical Context
Lions inhabited the Middle East in biblical times (though now extinct there). Their nighttime hunting would be heard from settlements, making this a familiar, sometimes fearful sound demonstrating God's provision for wild predators.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you reconcile predation and death in nature with God's goodness as Creator?
- What does God's provision for even dangerous predators teach about His comprehensive care?
Analysis & Commentary
Young lions roar after prey, 'seeking their meat from God.' Even predation is presented as provision from God—lions' hunting is included in divine providence. This isn't cruelty but ecological reality in a fallen world. The lions unknowingly seek food from God, who provides for all creatures. Christ taught that the Father feeds all creatures (Matt 6:26). Post-fall creation includes death and predation, yet God sustains this order until restoration comes. The Reformed understanding of providence includes all natural processes, even uncomfortable ones.