Bible Commentary

Psalms 104:21

Psalms 104:21

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

The young lions roar after their prey,.... Or, "at the prey" ; for, according to the Scriptures, it seems as if their time of roaring was when they have got their prey, and are tearing it and feeding on it, and not till then, Am 3:4 though naturalists tell us, that, when they are pinched with hunger, they make such a hideous roaring, as quite stupefies, as well as terrifies, other creatures; that they have no power to stir, till they come up to them, and become their prey, who otherwise could outrun them; for the lion is neither a swift creature, nor of good scent: wherefore, according to credible accounts, a creature called a "jackal", little bigger than a fox, hunts its prey for it, and secures it till it comes up to it.

Young lions are rather mentioned, because their appetite is keenest, and their voice loudest and strongest. This creature is an emblem of Satan, who goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, .

And seek their meat from God; as all creatures in their way do; as the ravens by crying, so the young lions by roaring; neither one nor other can provide for themselves, but God, in his providence, supplies them all with food; see .

And should not we seek and ask our meat of God too, even both temporal and spiritual? And may we not expect it from him? Does he feed the ravens, and also the young lions, and will he not take care of his own people, and feed them with food convenient for them, and especially when they ask it of him?

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 104:21

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Psalms 104 — OverviewPsalms 104 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIt is very probable that this psalm was penned by the same hand, and at the same time, as the former; for as that ended this begins, with "Bless the Lord, O my soul!" and concludes with it too. The style indeed…Psalms 104 — OverviewPsalms 104 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 104:1, A meditation upon the mighty power, Psalms 104:7, and wonderful providence of God; Psalms 104:31, God’s glory is eternal; Psalms 104:33, The prophet vows perpetually to praise God.Psalms 104 — OverviewPsalms 104 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis psalm, though without a title, was probably written by David, since it begins and ends as the former does, as Aben Ezra observes; and to him the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions, ascribe it.…Psalms 104:1-35Psalms 104:1-35 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION "THE psalmist, in a time of severe trouble, arising from the power of the heathen, seeks consolation in reflecting on the greatness of God in nature," So Hengstenberg, correctly. The main topic of the psalm…Psalms 104:1-35Psalms 104:1-35 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe greatness of God. This psalm, charged with the truest poetry, sings of the greatness of God (Psalms 104:1) and of the heritage of man. The subjects are inseparably mingled. Of the former we have suggested to us -…Psalms 104:1-35Psalms 104:1-35 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe heritage of man. The psalmist sings of the greatness of God (supra), and also of the fair heritage bestowed upon us. This includes— I. SUFFICIENCY AND VARIETY OF FOOD. "These [all the living creatures, including…