Psalms 104:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 104:27
27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
Chapter Context
Psalms 104 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, prayer, love. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 104:27
27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 136:25, 147:9, Job 36:31, 38:41