Psalm 104:14

14 He makes grass to grow for the cattle, and green herb for the service of men, to bring bread out of the earth;

Psalm 104:14 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 104:14

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle
By means of rain falling upon the tender herb, and upon the mown grass, whereby provision of food is made for those creatures that live upon grass.

And herb for the service of man:
some herbs being for physic for him, and others for food, and all more or less for his use. Herbs were the original food of man, ( Genesis 1:29 ) and still a dinner of herbs, where love is, is better than a stalled ox, and hatred therewith, ( Proverbs 15:17 ) . Some render it, "and herb at the tillage of man" ^F15: grass grows of itself for the use of the cattle; but the herb, as wheat and the like, which is for the use of man, is caused to grow when man has taken some pains with the earth, and has tilled and manured it: but the former sense seems best.

That he may bring forth food out of the earth;
either that man may do it by his tillage; or rather that the Lord may do it, by sending rain, and causing the grass and herbs to grow. However, man's food, as well as the food of beasts, comes out of the earth, as he himself does, and to which he must return.

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FOOTNOTES:

F15 (tdbel) "ad culturam", Cocceius, some in Vatablus, and Michaelis; so Gussetius, p. 572.

Psalm 104:14 In-Context

12 By them shall the birds of the sky lodge: they shall utter a voice out of the midst of the rocks.

13 He waters the mountains from his chambers: the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

14 He makes grass to grow for the cattle, and green herb for the service of men, to bring bread out of the earth;

15 and wine makes glad the heart of man, to make his face cheerful with oil: and bread strengthens man’s heart.

16 The trees of the plain shall be full of sap; even the cedars of Libanus which he has planted.