The sun rises, and they withdraw; they lie down in their dens.
This psalm stands apart from others that recount God's covenant mercies or heaven's hope. Rather, it sets before us the vivid display of His wisdom, power, and goodness in creation and the order of nature, stirring us to praise Him as a Father revealing Himself to us in this fragile and perishable life.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 104:1-35
The sun ariseth. Every evening has its morning to make the day. Were it not that we have seen the sun rise so often we should think it the greatest of miracles, and the most amazing of blessings. They gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. Thus they are out of man's way, and he seldom encounters them unless he desires to do so.
The heathen worship the sun and moon as gods, yet they are the creatures and servants of the true God alone. The moon marks the seasons and directs the husbandman's labor; the sun keeps punctually to its appointed time. Darkness itself, though black, contributes to nature's beauty and allows the beasts to feed without fear of man.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 104:19-30