He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.
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 appointed rule of the great lights is now the theme for praise. The moon is mentioned first, because in the Jewish day the night leads the way. He appointed the moon for seasons. By the waxing and waning of the moon the year is divided into months, and weeks, and by this means the exact dates of the holy days were arranged.
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