You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just describe water appearing, but specifically highlights how God orchestrates these springs to emerge in the valleys and flow between the hills. This isn't random; it points to a deliberate, beautiful design that brings life-sustaining water precisely where it's needed most, carving paths through the very landscape.
You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a grand celebration of God's creative power and provision, moving from the vastness of the heavens to the intricate details of the earth. As the psalmist has described the creation of the heavens and the earth, he now turns to the life-giving waters that sustain all living things, ensuring the land isn't a barren desert. This section highlights how God orchestrates the movement of water, from its unseen sources to the streams and rivers that nourish valleys and flow between hills, supporting a vibrant ecosystem.
Ever wondered how fresh water appears in valleys and flows between hills? It's not magic, but a masterfully designed system from our Creator.
The Psalmist highlights God's incredible design in creating springs. This isn't just about water appearing; it's about a sophisticated process where the earth itself becomes a conduit for life-giving water.
The Cycle of Life
God orchestrates a cycle where water from the seas is transformed and delivered. This involves evaporation, condensation, and then the earth releasing it as fresh springs. This intricate system ensures that even dry valleys and rocky hills receive the water necessary to sustain life.
Purposeful Provision
These springs don't just appear randomly. They are sent into the valleys and flow between the hills, precisely where they are needed to nourish the land and quench the thirst of every living creature. It’s a picture of God’s deliberate and abundant care for His creation.
The Psalmist doesn't just see water for humans; he sees it as a gift for all of creation. This verse reveals a God who cares for everyone.
The provision of springs isn't limited to human needs. The verse points out that these waters flow to sustain 'all the beasts of the field' and quench the thirst of 'the wild asses.'
God's Universal Care
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This demonstrates that God's providence extends to every living thing. He ensures that even wild and untamed creatures, like the wild ass known for its desert habitat, have access to life-giving water. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s goodness is not exclusive.
A Lesson for Us
By highlighting the provision for wild animals, the Psalmist magnifies God's generosity. It’s a call for us to recognize God’s abundant care in our own lives and to extend that same generous spirit to others, acknowledging that God’s blessings are meant to flow through us to all creation.
Understand the original words
ma'yan · Hebrew Noun
Natural sources of water that emerge from the ground. They are frequently used in Scripture as symbols of God's sustaining grace, life-giving provision, and the refreshing nature of His presence.
This passage describes the initial separation of land and water, setting the stage for the emergence of springs and rivers that God would later use to sustain life.
Proverbs 3:19-20It highlights that God's wisdom established the deep foundations of the earth and uses heavens to bring forth the dew, paralleling the Psalmist's focus on God's active provision of water.
Isaiah 41:17-18This prophecy speaks of God turning barren land into pools of water and deserts into springs, directly mirroring the miracle of water appearing in dry places described in the psalm.
John 4:10Jesus speaks of 'living water' that springs up to eternal life, connecting the physical sustenance provided by earthly springs to the spiritual life God offers through Himself.
Revelation 21:6This verse describes the 'spring of the water of life' freely given to those who thirst, drawing a clear parallel between God's provision of water in the Old Testament and the ultimate spiritual refreshment He offers in the new.
bensonPsalms 104:10: "He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills."
Psalm 104:10-11 . He sendeth the springs — “The waters of the sea are not only prevented from destroying the earth, but, by a wonderful machinery, are rendered the means of preserving every living thing which moveth thereon. Partly ascending from the great deep, through the strata of the earth, partly exhaled in vapour, from the surface of the ocean, into the air, and from thence falling in rain, especially on…
calvinPsalms 104:10-15: "He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills."
- Sending out springs by the valleys, which shall run between [182] the hills. 11. All the beasts of the field shall drink thereof: the wild asses [183] shall quench [184] their thirst. 12. Nigh them the fowls of the air shall dwell, from the midst of the branches they shall send out their voice. [185] 13. Watering the mountains from his chambers: the earth shall be satisfied from the fruit of thy [186] wo…
The verse doesn't just describe water appearing, but specifically highlights how God orchestrates these springs to emerge in the valleys and flow between the hills. This isn't random; it points to a deliberate, beautiful design that brings life-sustaining water precisely where it's needed most, carving paths through the very landscape.
This psalm is a grand celebration of God's creative power and provision, moving from the vastness of the heavens to the intricate details of the earth. As the psalmist has described the creation of the heavens and the earth, he now turns to the life-giving waters that sustain all living things, ensuring the land isn't a barren desert. This section highlights how God orchestrates the movement of water, from its unseen sources to the streams and rivers that nourish valleys and flow between hills, supporting a vibrant ecosystem.
This psalm is a grand celebration of God's creative power and provision, moving from the vastness of the heavens to the intricate details of the earth. As the psalmist has described the creation of the heavens and the earth, he now turns to the life-giving waters that sustain all living things, ensuring the land isn't a barren desert. This section highlights how God orchestrates the movement of water, from its unseen sources to the streams and rivers that nourish valleys and flow between hills, supporting a vibrant ecosystem.
"You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills;" — The verse doesn't just describe water appearing, but specifically highlights how God orchestrates these springs to emerge in the valleys and flow between the hills. This isn't random; it points t…
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Last reviewed October 2026