Psalms 104:27
These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
Original Language Analysis
כֻּ֭לָּם
H3605
כֻּ֭לָּם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְשַׂבֵּר֑וּן
These wait
H7663
יְשַׂבֵּר֑וּן
These wait
Strong's:
H7663
Word #:
3 of 6
to scrutinize; by implication (of watching) to expect (with hope and patience)
Cross References
Psalms 136:25Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.Psalms 147:9He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.Job 38:41Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.Job 36:31For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
Historical Context
Agricultural societies understood seasonal patterns of provision—harvest times, rainy seasons, etc. This verse theologizes that experience, attributing seasonal provision to God's faithful care rather than impersonal nature.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing your complete dependence on God's provision transform your approach to prayer?
- What does waiting for provision 'in due season' teach about trusting God's timing?
Analysis & Commentary
All creatures wait upon (sabar) God to give them food 'in due season.' Universal dependence on God's provision is emphasized—every creature relies entirely on divine sustenance. 'Wait upon' suggests expectant dependence, not passive resignation. 'Due season' (ittah) indicates God's perfect timing. This grounds all life in God's ongoing providence. Christ taught that the Father feeds all creatures (Matt 6:26), grounding human trust in prayer. The Reformed understanding of providence recognizes God's active, continuous sustaining of all creation.