Psalms 104:28
That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.
Original Language Analysis
תִּתֵּ֣ן
That thou givest
H5414
תִּתֵּ֣ן
That thou givest
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יִלְקֹט֑וּן
them they gather
H3950
יִלְקֹט֑וּן
them they gather
Strong's:
H3950
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean
תִּפְתַּ֥ח
thou openest
H6605
תִּפְתַּ֥ח
thou openest
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
4 of 7
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
יָֽ֝דְךָ֗
thine hand
H3027
יָֽ֝דְךָ֗
thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 7
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Historical Context
The imagery of God opening His hand appears elsewhere (Ps 145:16), suggesting a generous provider freely distributing abundance. This contrasts with tight-fisted hoarding.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance trusting God's provision with your responsibility to work and gather?
- What does God's open-handed generosity teach about how you should give to others?
Analysis & Commentary
What God gives, creatures gather; when He opens His hand, they are filled with good. This emphasizes both divine sovereignty (God gives) and creaturely agency (they gather). God's provision requires responsive action—creatures must gather what God supplies. 'Open thy hand' suggests generous abundance, not grudging provision. Being 'filled with good' (tob) shows God gives quality provision, not mere subsistence. Christ taught that the Father gives good gifts (Matt 7:11). The Reformed balance of divine sovereignty and human responsibility appears here—God provides, creatures respond.