Overview: (NET) The psalmist praises God as the ruler of the world who sustains all life.
Structure and reflection:
(1) Ruler
v.1-4 God is majestic . All creatures listen to Him for He is the Creator v.5-9. (BKC) The psalmist reiterated how God founded the earth and covered it with the waters. In poetic imagery the earth is seen as firmly established on … foundations, and “covered” with water (the deep) as with a garment. The psalmist vividly portrayed the Lord’s gathering the waters into rivers and oceans with a boundary (i.e., with shorelines beyond which they cannot go; cf. Job 38:9–10; Jer. 5:22). God’s rebuking the waters suggests they were a chaotic force to be calmed and “conquered.”
(2) Sustainer
God set up the waters in the way that animals and fields get water v.10-12. At the end both animals and people got their food v.13-14. People are not just fed, but they have the wine to make them feel good and oil to make their face shine v.15. God as a Sustainer is generous and kind.
God also set up trees and mountains as dwelling places for birds and animals v.16-18. God cares if we have the sense of safety v.18b.
God created moon and sun to regular animals' and humans' sleeping cycles v.19-23. When the wild animals sleep during the day it is a perfect time for men to go out to work, and vice versa during the night v.23. God has designed wisely in the timing.
(3) Praises for God v.24-32
Audrey
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