Psalms 104:12

12 The birds of heaven dwell by them; they give forth their voice from among the branches.

Psalms 104:12 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 104:12

By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation,
&c.] Another use of the springs, fountains, and rivers of water; by the sides and on the shores of these, some birds delight to be, and on trees that grow here do they build their nests; and here, having wetted their throats, they sit, and chirp, and sing: to doves, by rivers of water, is the allusion in ( Song of Solomon 5:12 ) .

Which sing among the branches;
of trees that grow by the sides of fountains and rivers; see ( Ezekiel 17:23 ) ( Matthew 13:32 ) . To such birds may saints be compared; being, like them, weak, defenceless, and timorous; liable to be taken in snares, and sometimes wonderfully delivered; as well as given to wanderings and strayings: and to fowls of the heaven, being heaven born souls, and partakers of the heavenly calling. These have their habitation by the fountain of Jacob, by the river of divine love, beside the still waters of the sanctuary; where they sing the songs of Zion, the songs of electing, redeeming, and calling grace.

Psalms 104:12 In-Context

10 He sendeth the springs into the valleys: they run among the mountains;

11 They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild asses quench their thirst.

12 The birds of heaven dwell by them; they give forth their voice from among the branches.

13 He watereth the mountains from his upper-chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

14 He maketh the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man; bringing forth bread out of the earth,