Psalms 104:22

22 When the sun comes up, they vanish, lazily stretched out in their dens.

Psalms 104:22 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 104:22

The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together
Having gone some one way, some another, seeking their prey; but upon the sun's rising gather together in order to return from whence they came, abhorring the light of the sun, as some creatures do, and fearing being hunted and taken by men, the fear of whom is still in some measure upon the beasts of the field, ( Genesis 9:2 ) . So wicked men do not care for the light of the day, nor do false teachers choose to come to the light of the word; these owls and bats, these, as Tertullian calls them; and Satan himself chooses to set upon persons when they are in darkness, and in melancholy and disconsolate frames; and is afraid of believers, when they put on the armour of light, especially the shield of faith, and resist him with it, then he flees from them.

And lay them down in their dens;
for rest and safety, and to feed themselves and young ones with the ravin they bring with them; see ( Song of Solomon 4:8 ) ( Nahum 2:12 ) .

Psalms 104:22 In-Context

20 When it's dark and night takes over, all the forest creatures come out.
21 The young lions roar for their prey, clamoring to God for their supper.
22 When the sun comes up, they vanish, lazily stretched out in their dens.
23 Meanwhile, men and women go out to work, busy at their jobs until evening.
24 What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.