Psalms 104 and 103 are companions; they are the only two psalms to begin and end with the words, “Bless the Lord, O my soul!” Psalm 103 praises God mainly for his gracious, covenantal redemption. But its last verse is a fitting transition to Psalm 104, “Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion” (103:22). Psalm 104 zooms out to God’s wonderful works of creation and providence, providing ample reasons for everyone to praise the Lord.
God’s work of creation is introduced in the opening verses as accessories to God’s greatness. He clothes himself with light (2). He rides on the wind (3). God’s work with light, water, wind decorate his eternal majesty. The writer helps us visualize God’s creation of the heavens and earth as if we were watching an artist create a world on a blank three-dimensional canvass. His only tool is his voice, instructing with thunderous authority (7).
But God wasn’t just making art. He was making a world for his creatures. In the mountains he planted springs to satisfy his creatures with the fruit of his work (13). From the well-watered earth came plants for food (14). And not for mere sustenance. God gave wine for gladness and oil for beauty (15). God made a home designed for flourishing. But he retains his authority. He continues to govern the world in a way that reminds us of our limits and our dependence on him. Whether his creatures work in the day and rest in the night, or the other way around (19–23), every creature should look to God “to give them their food in due season” (27). We must look to God for all good things, even for life itself (28–30).
Psalm 104 is a beautiful song of praise for God’s creation and providence. So why end on judgment (35)? Because some people refuse to recognize with grateful submission the manifold works God reveals in creation (Rom. 1:20–21). People “die and return to the dust” (Ps. 104:29) because sinful rebellion has infected God’s good world. Still, God is gracious, inviting all his people to repent and give him the praise he deserves. If we refuse we can expect, like our first parents, to be driven from God’s good presence. So remember God’s goodness and bless the Lord.

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