Psalms 74:16
The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.
Original Language Analysis
י֭וֹם
The day
H3117
י֭וֹם
The day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אַף
H637
אַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
3 of 9
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
לָ֑יְלָה
is thine the night
H3915
לָ֑יְלָה
is thine the night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
הֲ֝כִינ֗וֹתָ
also is thine thou hast prepared
H3559
הֲ֝כִינ֗וֹתָ
also is thine thou hast prepared
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern paganism assigned different deities to day and night, sun and moon. This verse proclaims the one God rules all creation without rival. The argument from creation to redemption appears throughout Scripture: God who spoke worlds into existence can certainly save (Isaiah 40:26-31, Romans 4:17). The verse echoes Genesis 1:14-18 where God appointed celestial lights.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over creation provide confidence in His ability to handle your circumstances?
- In what ways does modern culture subtly divide reality into sacred and secular, limiting God's rule to "religious" spheres?
- How does Christ as Creator (Colossians 1:16) and Redeemer unite these roles perfectly?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm appeals to God's sovereignty over creation: "The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun" (Hebrew l-kha yom af-l-kha layelah atah hakhino ma-or vashemesh). The repetition "thine...thine" emphasizes God's absolute ownership of time and cosmic order. "Prepared" (Hebrew kun) indicates purposeful establishment. The verse argues from creation to providence: if God sovereignly established the cosmos, He can surely deliver His people. This grounds petition in theology—God's creative power guarantees His redemptive ability.