He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed is that God's provision extends even to the most overlooked and "unclean" creatures, like ravens, whose insistent cries for sustenance are met by Him. This highlights God's deep care not only for the grand scheme of creation but also for the smallest, most vulnerable lives.
He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm is celebrating God's mighty acts of restoration and provision, particularly His gathering of dispersed people and healing the brokenhearted. It shifts from these divine actions to illustrate God's care for all creation, providing food for the beasts and even the seemingly insignificant young ravens, emphasizing that His goodness extends to the humblest creatures. This highlights that just as God sustains all of nature, He will not neglect those who trust and fear Him.
Ever feel overlooked or insignificant? This verse points to a God who sees even the creatures society dismisses.
The psalmist highlights the young ravens, creatures considered unclean and unwanted by many. Even these despised birds, especially when young and vulnerable, receive God's direct provision.
A Divine Spotlight on the Small
The verse speaks of God giving food. But what does that really mean for us today?
While the immediate context is about God providing physical sustenance for animals, the broader implication for believers is profound. This divine provision extends beyond mere calories.
Sustenance for Body and Soul
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This passage directly echoes the care God shows for the young ravens, asking 'Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about, unfed?' highlighting God's attention to even the most seemingly insignificant creatures.
Luke 12:24Jesus uses the example of the ravens being fed by God to teach about not worrying about material needs, showing that God's provision extends to all of His creation, not just humans.
Psalms 104:27-28This Psalm speaks of all creatures looking to God for their food, with God opening His hand to satisfy them, reinforcing the theme of God's universal and constant provision for all living things.
Matthew 6:26Jesus points to the birds of the air, which are fed by the Father, as a reminder that God values His creation far more than humans value possessions, drawing a parallel to the care shown to birds in Psalms 147:9.
ellicottPsalms 147:9: "He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry."
(9) Comp. Psalm 104:14 ; Psalm 145:15 ; Job 38:41 ; Luke 12:24 . The proper attitude towards one who is thus “great to grant as mighty to make,” is not conceit of wisdom and strength, but humble dependence and trust.
pulpitPsalms 147:9: "He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry."
Verse 9. - He giveth to the beast his food (comp. Psalm 104:27; Psalm 145:15, 16). The constant supplies of their own proper food to all classes of animals are among the principal proofs of God's power and goodness. And to the young ravens which cry. Even the unclean raven, with his harsh croak and inelegant form, is not neglected (comp. Luke 12:24, "God feedeth them").
What's easily missed is that God's provision extends even to the most overlooked and "unclean" creatures, like ravens, whose insistent cries for sustenance are met by Him. This highlights God's deep care not only for the grand scheme of creation but also for the smallest, most vulnerable lives.
The psalm is celebrating God's mighty acts of restoration and provision, particularly His gathering of dispersed people and healing the brokenhearted. It shifts from these divine actions to illustrate God's care for all creation, providing food for the beasts and even the seemingly insignificant young ravens, emphasizing that His goodness extends to the humblest creatures. This highlights that just as God sustains all of nature, He will not neglect those who trust and fear Him.
The psalm is celebrating God's mighty acts of restoration and provision, particularly His gathering of dispersed people and healing the brokenhearted. It shifts from these divine actions to illustrate God's care for all creation, providing food for the beasts and even the seemingly insignificant young ravens, emphasizing that His goodness extends to the humblest creatures. This highlights that just as God sustains all of nature, He will not neglect those who trust and fear Him.
"He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry." — What's easily missed is that God's provision extends even to the most overlooked and "unclean" creatures, like ravens, whose insistent cries for sustenance are met by Him. This highlights God's deep…
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Last reviewed October 2026