Psalms 104:20
You make darkness, and it is night, when all the beasts of the forest creep about.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Hebrew word used for the beasts "creeping forth" isn't just about them coming out; it vividly paints a picture of stealthy, almost snakelike movement, highlighting their hidden nature as they hunt under the cover of night. This subtle choice of word reminds us that even the darkness, teeming with unseen activity, is part of God's deliberate and ordered creation, serving specific purposes.
This Psalm celebrates God's creation and provision, moving from the vast cosmos to the details of earth's inhabitants. Following the description of the sun's daily cycle, the focus shifts to the night, highlighting how God establishes this darkness for the wild creatures to emerge and hunt. This ordained cycle ensures safety for humans during the day and allows animals to find sustenance in the darkness.
We often think of darkness as what's missing – the absence of light. But here, God actively makes darkness.
God's Creative Act
The verse says, 'You make darkness, and it is night.' This isn't just a passive fading of light. It's presented as a deliberate act of creation, just like the light. God doesn't just allow darkness; He orchestrates it.
The Purpose of Night
This darkness isn't for our punishment or simply a lack of something good. It serves a crucial purpose:
When darkness falls, the 'beasts of the forest creep about.' What does this tell us about God's ordered world?
A World Not Made For Man Alone
The psalmist observes that the creatures of the forest emerge at night. This isn't chaos; it's part of God's intricate design.
The Stealthy Movement
The original language for 'creep forth' suggests a quiet, stealthy movement, like hunting or observing. It paints a picture of creatures moving cautiously and deliberately in the shadows.
Fear and Safety
Commentaries highlight that these animals emerge at night, partly because they fear humans during the day. Genesis 9:2 speaks of God placing 'the fear of you and the dread of you' upon the animals. This divine arrangement ensures:
Understand the original words
choshek · Hebrew Noun
The absence of light, often representing mystery, the unknown, or the judgment of God. Biblically, it is also a part of God's created cycle, demonstrating His sovereignty over both light and dark.
c. 1400 BC
The Law Given at Sinai
God establishes His covenant with Israel, outlining laws for life in the promised land. This includes instructions on daily living and interaction with the natural world, setting a context for understanding God's order.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
Under King David, Israel enjoys a period of relative peace and expansion. This era provides a stable setting for the composition of many Psalms, including this one, which reflects on God's creation and sovereignty.
c. 950 BC
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon begins building the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and national identity. The Psalms are deeply intertwined with Temple worship and Israel's understanding of God's presence.
c. 750 BC
Prophetic Ministry Begins
The era of the writing prophets (like Isaiah and Amos) emerges, addressing Israel's spiritual and social conditions. This period sees a heightened awareness of God's judgment and faithfulness, often referencing creation.
c. 700 BC
This passage describes God's creation of the sun and moon, establishing the very celestial mechanics that govern the cycle of day and night mentioned in Psalms 104:20.
Job 38:12-13This passage directly parallels the idea of God commanding the morning and causing darkness, highlighting His sovereign control over the natural order and the transition from light to night.
Proverbs 7:9This verse speaks of encountering someone 'in the twilight, in the evening of the day, or in the deep of the night,' illustrating the common human association of darkness with nocturnal activities and potential dangers, echoing the 'beasts of the forest creep about.'
John 3:20This verse contrasts those who do evil and hate the light with those who come to the light, drawing a spiritual parallel between the physical darkness where wild beasts roam and the moral darkness where wicked deeds are done.
clarkePsalms 104:20: "Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth."
Thou makest darkness - It is not the design of God that there should be either constant darkness or constant light. That man may labor, he gives him, by means of the sun, the light of the day; and that he may rest from his labor, and get his strength recruited, he gives him night, and comparative darkness. And as it would not be convenient for man and the wild beasts of the forest to col…
bensonPsalms 104:20: "Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth."
Psalm 104:20 . Thou makest darkness — Which succeeds the light, by virtue of thy decree and established order; and it is night — Which, though black and dismal, contributes to the beauty of nature, and is as a foil to the light of the day. Wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth — To seek their prey, which they are afraid to do in the day-time, God having put the fear and dre…
The Hebrew word used for the beasts "creeping forth" isn't just about them coming out; it vividly paints a picture of stealthy, almost snakelike movement, highlighting their hidden nature as they hunt under the cover of night. This subtle choice of word reminds us that even the darkness, teeming with unseen activity, is part of God's deliberate and ordered creation, serving specific purposes.
This Psalm celebrates God's creation and provision, moving from the vast cosmos to the details of earth's inhabitants. Following the description of the sun's daily cycle, the focus shifts to the night, highlighting how God establishes this darkness for the wild creatures to emerge and hunt. This ordained cycle ensures safety for humans during the day and allows animals to find sustenance in the darkness.
This Psalm celebrates God's creation and provision, moving from the vast cosmos to the details of earth's inhabitants. Following the description of the sun's daily cycle, the focus shifts to the night, highlighting how God establishes this darkness for the wild creatures to emerge and hunt. This ordained cycle ensures safety for humans during the day and allows animals to find sustenance in the darkness.
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Hezekiah's Reforms
King Hezekiah undertakes religious reforms, including efforts to restore true worship and possibly encouraging the compilation of Scripture. Many scholars believe Psalms were collected and organized during this time or shortly after.
c. 600 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The first wave of Judeans is deported to Babylon. This marks a traumatic period where Israel's relationship with God and the land is profoundly tested, shaping their perspective on divine governance.
c. 550 BC— this verse
Babylonian Exile Continues
The exile deepens, and many Psalms are sung or composed during this time, reflecting on God's control over all creation even in a foreign land. This verse highlights God's mastery over the natural world, a comfort amidst hardship.
"You make darkness, and it is night, when all the beasts of the forest creep about." — The Hebrew word used for the beasts "creeping forth" isn't just about them coming out; it vividly paints a picture of stealthy, almost snakelike movement, highlighting their hidden nature as they hun…
