Psalms 147:9

9 He ¹gives to the beast its food, And to the ²young ravens which cry.

Psalms 147:9 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 147:9

He giveth to the beast his food
Through the plenty of grass growing upon the mountains, by the rain falling from the clouds of heaven upon them: these cannot provide for themselves, but the Lord feeds them; and they wait upon him for their food, and receive it of him, ( Psalms 104:27 Psalms 104:28 ) . How much more will he feed his own people, both with temporal and spiritual food; though in their fallen state they are become like the beasts, of which they are sensible when called by grace, and own and acknowledge it! ( Psalms 49:12 ) ( 73:22 ) ( Proverbs 30:2 ) ; [and] to the young ravens which cry:
which are particularly mentioned, because contemptible creatures, and of no use and service to men, and by the ceremonial law were impure to the Jews; and the rather, because, as naturalists observe, they are very early turned out of their nests, or forsaken by their dams: and this particular instance of the care of Providence is elsewhere observed, ( Job 38:41 ) ( Luke 12:24 ) . Arama takes notice of the preservation of this creature in the ark, and the use of it to Elijah. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Ethiopic, and Arabic versions, render it, "that call upon him"; that is, upon God and to him; they are expressly said to cry, ( Job 38:41 ) . The ancient fathers interpret this figuratively; and by the "ravens" understand the Gentiles; and by their "young ones" Christians that spring from them, who call upon the true God.

Psalms 147:9 In-Context

7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; Sing praises to our God on the lyre,

8 Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who provides rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.

9 He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens which cry.

10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 104:27, 28; Psalms 145:15
• 2. Job 38:41; Matthew 6:26