Psalms 104:20

20 (103-20) Thou hast appointed darkness, and it is night: in it shall all the beasts of the woods go about:

Psalms 104:20 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 104:20

Thou makest darkness, and it is night
The darkness was before the light, and the night before the day, ( Genesis 1:2 Genesis 1:4 Genesis 1:5 ) and now the darkness and night are made by the setting of the sun before mentioned; see ( Isaiah 45:7 ) .

Wherein all the beasts of the field do creep forth;
out of their dens, and range about for their prey, as the evening wolves and others: and these are not the only creatures that choose the night and darkness; all wicked men do the same; whose deeds are evil, and do not care to come to the light, lest they should be reproved; particularly drunkards, adulterers, thieves, and murderers, ( John 3:20 John 3:21 ) ( 1 Thessalonians 5:7 ) ( Job 24:13-17 ) . So the Scribes and Pharisees, when they consulted to take away the life of Christ, and agreed with Judas to betray him, did it in the night: so false teachers, who are wolves in sheep's clothing, when it is a night of darkness with the church, take the advantage of it, to creep about and spread their pernicious doctrines; see ( 2 Timothy 3:6 ) ( Jude 1:4 ) .

Psalms 104:20 In-Context

18 (103-18) The high hills are a refuge for the harts, the rock for the irchins.
19 (103-19) He hath made the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.
20 (103-20) Thou hast appointed darkness, and it is night: in it shall all the beasts of the woods go about:
21 (103-21) The young lions roaring after their prey, and seeking their meat from God.
22 (103-22) The sun ariseth, and they are gathered together: and they shall lie down in their dens.
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