Psalm 147:9 Study Bible: He provides food for the livestock, and for the young ravens when they call.

◄ Psalm 147:9 ►

He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call.

He provides food
The phrase "He provides food" emphasizes God's role as the ultimate provider and sustainer of life. The Hebrew word for "provides" is "nathan," which means to give, bestow, or grant. This word underscores the generosity and grace of God, who gives freely to His creation. The concept of God as a provider is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reminding believers of His faithfulness and care. In a historical context, this provision can be seen in the manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16), symbolizing God's ability to meet the needs of His people in miraculous ways.

for the animals
The phrase "for the animals" highlights God's care for all of His creation, not just humanity. The Hebrew word for "animals" is "behemah," which refers to beasts or cattle. This term encompasses all living creatures, indicating that God's provision extends beyond human needs to include the entire ecosystem. This reflects the biblical principle that God values all life and maintains the balance of nature. In Genesis 1:24-25, God creates animals and sees that it is good, showing His delight in and responsibility for all living things.

and for the young ravens
The mention of "young ravens" is significant because ravens were considered unclean animals according to Levitical law (Leviticus 11:15). Despite this, God still provides for them, illustrating His impartial love and care for all creatures, regardless of their status. The Hebrew word for "raven" is "oreb," and young ravens are often seen as symbols of vulnerability and dependence. This imagery serves as a reminder that God is attentive to the needs of even the most seemingly insignificant or despised creatures.

when they call
The phrase "when they call" suggests a sense of dependence and trust in God's provision. The Hebrew word "qara" means to call out, cry, or proclaim. This implies that the young ravens, in their need, instinctively cry out to God, who hears and responds to their cries. This can be seen as a metaphor for prayer, where believers are encouraged to call upon God in times of need, trusting in His willingness to provide. The idea that God hears and responds to the cries of His creation is a powerful testament to His omnipresence and compassion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the provider and sustainer of all creation. His care extends beyond humanity to all living creatures.

2. Animals
This term encompasses all creatures that God provides for, highlighting His comprehensive care for His creation.

3. Young Ravens
Specifically mentioned in this verse, young ravens symbolize creatures that are often seen as insignificant or unclean, yet they are still under God's care.

Teaching Points

God's Comprehensive Care
God's provision is not limited to humans; it extends to all of His creation. This should remind us of His omnipotence and omnipresence.

Value of the Seemingly Insignificant
Even creatures like young ravens, which might be considered unimportant, are cared for by God. This teaches us that no one is insignificant in God's eyes.

Trust in God's Provision
Just as God provides for the animals, He will provide for us. We are encouraged to trust in His provision and not be anxious about our needs.

God's Sovereignty Over Creation
God's ability to provide for all creatures demonstrates His sovereignty and control over the universe. This should lead us to worship and reverence Him.

Call to Stewardship
Recognizing God's care for creation should inspire us to be good stewards of the environment and the resources He has entrusted to us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's provision for animals, as described in Psalm 147:9, influence your trust in His provision for your own life?

2. In what ways can you apply the lesson of God's care for the young ravens to your interactions with people who might be considered "insignificant" in society?

3. How do the teachings in Matthew 6:26 and Luke 12:24 reinforce the message of Psalm 147:9 about God's provision?

4. What practical steps can you take to become a better steward of God's creation, knowing that He cares for all creatures?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in a surprising way. How can this experience encourage others in your community or church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 6:26
Jesus speaks about the birds of the air, emphasizing that God feeds them and thus encourages believers to trust in God's provision for their needs.

Job 38:41
This verse also mentions God providing for the ravens, reinforcing the theme of God's care for all creatures, even those that seem insignificant.

Luke 12:24
Similar to Matthew 6:26, this passage highlights God's provision for the ravens, encouraging believers to have faith in God's care for them.

Sermons

The Ravens' Cry		Psalm 147:9
A Praiseful Spirit		Psalm 147:1-11
Genuine Worship	David Thomas, D. D.	Psalm 147:1-11
Master Motives to Praise	W. T. Fullerton.	Psalm 147:1-11
Praise	Henry Ward Beecher.	Psalm 147:1-11
God Worthy of Praise	C. Short	Psalm 147:7-11

People

Jacob, Psalmist

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Beast, Beasts, Cattle, Cry, Gives, Giveth, Giving, Livestock, Provides, Ravens

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Psalm 147:9

4612 birds
5341 hunger

Psalm 147:1-17

4060 nature

Psalm 147:7-9

8352 thankfulness

Psalm 147:8-9

1305 God, activity of

Library

Healing for the Wounded
We will not delay you by a preface, but will come at once to the two thoughts: first, here is a great ill--a broken heart; and secondly, a great mercy--"he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Man is a double being: he is composed of body and soul, and each of the portions of man may receive injury and hurt. The wounds of the body are extremely painful, and if they amount to a breaking of the frame the torture is singularly exquisite. Yet God has in his mercy provided means …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Christ's Hospital
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."--Psalm 147:3. Often as we have read this Psalm, we can never fail to be struck with the connection in which this verse stands, especially its connection with the verse that follows. Read the two together: "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names." What condescension and grandeur! What pity and omnipotence! He who leads out yonder ponderous orbs …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Anxious About Earth, or Earnest About the Kingdom
'And He said unto His disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25. And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26. If ye then be not able to do that thing …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Chorus of Angels
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing! I t was a good report which the queen of Sheba heard, in her own land, of the wisdom and glory of Solomon. It lessened her attachment to home, and prompted her to undertake a long journey to visit this greater King, of whom she had heard so much. She went, and she was not disappointed. Great as the expectations were, which she had formed from the relation made her by others, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Sermon of the Seasons
"Oh, the long and dreary Winter! Oh, the cold and cruel Winter!" We say to ourselves, Will spring-time never come? In addition to this, trade and commerce continue in a state of stagnation; crowds are out of employment, and where business is carried on, it yields little profit. Our watchmen are asked if they discern any signs of returning day, and they answer, "No." Thus we bow our heads in a common affliction, and ask each man comfort of his fellow; for as yet we see not our signs, neither does …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

The Room was Like and Oven
Sunday, 8.--We were at the minster [21] in the morning and at our parish church in the afternoon. The same gentleman preached at both; but though I saw him at the church, I did not know I had ever seen him before. In the morning he was all life and motion; in the afternoon he was as quiet as a post. At five in the evening, the rain constrained me to preach in the oven again. The patience of the congregation surprised me. They seemed not to feel the extreme heat or to be offended at the close application …
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

What God Is
John iv. 24.--"God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." We have here something of the nature of God pointed out to us, and something of our duty towards him. "God is a Spirit," that is his nature, and "man must worship him," that is his duty, and that "in spirit and in truth," that is the right manner of the duty. If these three were well pondered till they did sink into the bottom of our spirits, they would make us indeed Christians, not in the letter, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders, …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

That it is Profitable to Communicate Often
The Voice of the Disciple Behold I come unto Thee, O Lord, that I may be blessed through Thy gift, and be made joyful in Thy holy feast which Thou, O God, of Thy goodness hast prepared for the poor.(1) Behold in Thee is all that I can and ought to desire, Thou art my salvation and redemption, my hope and strength, my honour and glory. Therefore rejoice the soul of Thy servant this day, for unto Thee, O Lord Jesus, do I lift up my soul.(2) I long now to receive Thee devoutly and reverently, I desire …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Prayer.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRAYER. WHAT is prayer? A sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Spirit, for such things as God hath promised. The best prayers have often more groans than words. Alas, how few there be in the world whose heart and mouth in prayer shall go together. Dost thou, when thou askest for the Spirit, or faith, or love to God, to holiness, to saints, to the word, and the like, ask for them with love to them, …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers', …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Letter xvi to Rainald, Abbot of Foigny
To Rainald, Abbot of Foigny Bernard declares to him how little he loves praise; that the yoke of Christ is light; that he declines the name of father, and is content with that of brother. 1. In the first place, do not wonder if titles of honour affright me, when I feel myself so unworthy of the honours themselves; and if it is fitting that you should give them to me, it is not expedient for me to accept them. For if you think that you ought to observe that saying, In honour preferring one another …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Preface to the Commandments
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,' &c. Exod 20: 1, 2. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? The preface to the Ten Commandments is, I am the Lord thy God.' The preface to the preface is, God spake all these words, saying,' &c. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation. Other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the holy prophets (Luke 1: 70), but here God spake in his own person. How are we to understand that, God spake, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord;
COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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