they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It’s easy to skim over the mention of "wild asses," but the psalmist includes them to show God's care extends even to the most untamed and solitary creatures. This detail highlights God's expansive goodness, providing for every beast, even those living in harsh, desolate places where humans rarely venture.
they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes as the psalm celebrates God's provision of water, flowing from mountains and valleys to sustain life. It highlights God's care not only for humanity but also for all creatures, even the wild and untamed ones like the "wild asses" that roam desolate areas. This specific image underscores that the Lord's bounty is so abundant it reaches the most remote and overlooked corners of creation.
Did you know God’s care extends to creatures who live completely apart from humanity? This verse highlights a beautiful, often overlooked aspect of His providence.
The psalmist points to the springs and valleys as gifts from God, providing not just for humans and domestic animals, but even for the wild beasts of the field.
Beyond Human Reach
Notice the specific mention of 'wild asses.' These are animals known for living in harsh, arid desert environments, often far from human settlements. They are independent and not under human control.
God's Universal Care
Even these untamed creatures find their thirst quenched. This isn't an accident. It reveals God's active, ongoing provision for all living things, not just those who can acknowledge or serve Him. It’s a picture of a Creator who generously sustains every part of His creation.
What does it mean for a wild donkey to 'quench' its thirst? This simple act is a profound statement about God's faithfulness.
The word translated 'quench' has a powerful sense of 'breaking' or 'satisfying.' It speaks to a deep need being met.
More Than Just Water
The provision of water for the wild ass isn't just about survival; it's about God actively meeting the fundamental needs of His creation. It’s a tangible expression of His goodness reaching into desolate places.
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A Pattern of Provision
This act of quenching thirst serves as a metaphor. Just as God ensures the wild ass finds water in a dry land, He also provides for our deepest needs, both physical and spiritual. The verse assures us that God hears the cry of every creature, wild or tame.
Understand the original words
chayto · Hebrew Noun
A generic term for untamed, terrestrial animals, often contrasted with humanity in the created order to highlight God's sovereign care for all creatures.
This passage directly mentions the wild donkey and its provision in the wilderness, aligning with the specific mention of wild asses in Psalms 104:11 and highlighting God's care for even the most untamed creatures.
Isaiah 43:20This verse speaks of God providing water in the wilderness for His creatures, reflecting the theme of divine provision for wild animals found in the Psalm, emphasizing God's active care for all of creation.
Matthew 6:26Jesus uses the example of the birds of the air, whom God feeds, to illustrate God's provision for humanity; this connects to the Psalm's broader theme of God caring for all living creatures, big and small.
Luke 12:24Similar to Matthew 6:26, this verse directly points to the ravens, which neither sow nor reap, yet God feeds them, reinforcing the idea that God provides for the needs of all creatures, as highlighted in the provision for beasts in Psalms 104.
clarkePsalms 104:11: "They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst."
The wild asses quench their thirst - The פרא pere, onager or wild ass, differs in nothing from the tame ass, only it has not a broken spirit, and is consequently more lively and active. It is so very swift that no horse except the Arab barb can overtake it. It is a gregarious animal, and they go in troops to feed and to drink. It is very timid, or rather jealous of its liberty, and therefore retir…
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…
It’s easy to skim over the mention of "wild asses," but the psalmist includes them to show God's care extends even to the most untamed and solitary creatures. This detail highlights God's expansive goodness, providing for every beast, even those living in harsh, desolate places where humans rarely venture.
This verse comes as the psalm celebrates God's provision of water, flowing from mountains and valleys to sustain life. It highlights God's care not only for humanity but also for all creatures, even the wild and untamed ones like the "wild asses" that roam desolate areas. This specific image underscores that the Lord's bounty is so abundant it reaches the most remote and overlooked corners of creation.
This verse comes as the psalm celebrates God's provision of water, flowing from mountains and valleys to sustain life. It highlights God's care not only for humanity but also for all creatures, even the wild and untamed ones like the "wild asses" that roam desolate areas. This specific image underscores that the Lord's bounty is so abundant it reaches the most remote and overlooked corners of creation.
"they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst." — It’s easy to skim over the mention of "wild asses," but the psalmist includes them to show God's care extends even to the most untamed and solitary creatures. This detail highlights God's expansive g…
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Last reviewed October 2026