Psalms 104:12

12 The birds of the air build nests by the waters. They sing 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 You make springs pour water into the valleys. It flows between the mountains.

11 The springs give water to all of the wild animals. The wild donkeys satisfy their thirst.

12 The birds of the air build nests by the waters. They sing among the branches.

13 You water the mountains from your palace high in the clouds. The earth is filled with the things you have made.

14 You make grass grow for the cattle and plants for people to take care of. That's how they get food from the earth.