CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 104:20 You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the beasts of the forest prowl.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/104-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/19_Psa_104_020.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 104:20 - How Many Are Your Works, O LORD!" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the beasts of the forest prowl." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/104-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/104-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/104.htm">Chapter 104</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/104-19.htm" title="Psalm 104:19">◄</a> Psalm 104:20 <a href="/psalms/104-21.htm" title="Psalm 104:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/104.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/104.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/104.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You send the darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals prowl about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/104.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You make darkness, and it is night, when all the beasts of the forest creep about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/104.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the beasts of the forest prowl.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/104.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep <i>forth</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/104.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You make darkness, and it is night, In which all the beasts of the forest creep about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/104.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You appoint darkness and it becomes night, In which all the animals of the forest prowl about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/104.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />You appoint darkness and it becomes night, In which all the beasts of the forest prowl about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/104.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Thou dost appoint darkness and it becomes night, In which all the beasts of the forest prowl about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/104.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You appoint darkness so that it becomes night, In which all the beasts of the forest creep about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/104.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You [O LORD] make darkness and it becomes night, In which prowls about every wild beast of the forest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/104.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals stir.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/104.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals stir. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/104.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou makest darkness, and it is night, Wherein all the beasts of the forest creep forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/104.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and you made the darkness, so the animals in the forest could come out at night. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/104.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou makest darkness, and it is night; Wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/104.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He brings darkness, and it is nighttime, when all the wild animals in the forest come out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/104.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You made the night, and in the darkness all the wild animals come out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/104.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You bring darkness and it becomes night; when every beast of the forest prowls.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/104.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the beasts of the forest prowl.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/104.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You make it dark and night comes, during which all the beasts of the forest prowl around. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/104.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You make darkness, and it is night, in which all the animals of the forest prowl.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/104.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou makest darkness, and it is night: in which all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/104.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You make darkness, and it is night, in which all the animals of the forest prowl. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/104.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You set darkness, and it is night, "" Every beast of the forest creeps in it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/104.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thou settest darkness, and it is night, In it doth every beast of the forest creep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/104.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou didst set darkness and it will be night: in it all the beasts of the forest shall creep.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/104.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast appointed darkness, and it is night: in it shall all the beasts of the woods go about: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/104.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 103:20>You appointed darkness, and it has become night; all the beasts of the forest will cross through it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/104.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You bring darkness and night falls, then all the animals of the forest wander about. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/104.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You make darkness, and it is night, when all the animals of the forest come creeping out.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/104.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He makes darkness and it is night, wherein all the beasts of the forest creep forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/104.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He made the darkness and there was night and in it pass through all the wild beasts of the forest.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/104.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou makest darkness, and it is night, Wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/104.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou didst make darkness, and it was night; in it all the wild beasts of the forest will be abroad:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/104-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=12931" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/104.htm">How Many Are Your Works, O LORD!</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7896.htm" title="7896: tā·šeṯ- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To put, set. A primitive root; to place.">You bring</a> <a href="/hebrew/2822.htm" title="2822: ḥō·šeḵ (N-ms) -- From chashak; the dark; hence darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness.">darkness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wî·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Jus-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and it becomes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: lā·yə·lāh (N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">night,</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw- (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">when all</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·ṯōw- (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">the beasts</a> <a href="/hebrew/3293.htm" title="3293: yā·‘ar (N-ms) -- From an unused root probably meaning to thicken with verdure; a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb.">of the forest</a> <a href="/hebrew/7430.htm" title="7430: ṯir·mōś (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; properly, to glide swiftly, i.e. To crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm.">prowl.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>The young lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/1-4.htm">Genesis 1:4-5</a></span><br />And God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. / God called the light “day,” and the darkness He called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/1-14.htm">Genesis 1:14-19</a></span><br />And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish between the day and the night, and let them be signs to mark the seasons and days and years. / And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.” And it was so. / God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. And He made the stars as well. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/38-12.htm">Job 38:12-15</a></span><br />In your days, have you commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place, / that it might spread to the ends of the earth and shake the wicked out of it? / The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its hills stand out like the folds of a garment. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/24-13.htm">Job 24:13-17</a></span><br />Then there are those who rebel against the light, not knowing its ways or staying on its paths. / When daylight is gone, the murderer rises to kill the poor and needy; in the night he is like a thief. / The eye of the adulterer watches for twilight. Thinking, ‘No eye will see me,’ he covers his face. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-7.htm">Isaiah 45:7</a></span><br />I form the light and create the darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/33-20.htm">Jeremiah 33:20</a></span><br />“This is what the LORD says: If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that day and night cease to occupy their appointed time,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-8.htm">Amos 5:8</a></span><br />He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn and darkens day into night, who summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth—the LORD is His name—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-6.htm">Micah 3:6</a></span><br />Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Matthew 24:29</a></span><br />Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-24.htm">Mark 13:24</a></span><br />But in those days, after that tribulation: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-25.htm">Luke 21:25</a></span><br />There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-5.htm">John 1:5</a></span><br />The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-21</a></span><br />And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. / But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-20.htm">Acts 2:20</a></span><br />The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and glorious Day of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12</a></span><br />The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You make darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.</p><p class="hdg">makest</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/74-16.htm">Psalm 74:16</a></b></br> The day <i>is</i> thine, the night also <i>is</i> thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/139-10.htm">Psalm 139:10-12</a></b></br> Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/1-4.htm">Genesis 1:4,5</a></b></br> And God saw the light, that <i>it was</i> good: and God divided the light from the darkness… </p><p class="hdg">of the forest do creep forth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/80-13.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/psalms/104-8.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/psalms/104-11.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/psalms/104-18.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-42.htm">Creep</a> <a href="/psalms/97-2.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/97-2.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/psalms/96-12.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/psalms/104-14.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/104-10.htm">Makest</a> <a href="/psalms/92-2.htm">Night</a> <a href="/psalms/103-22.htm">Places</a> <a href="/psalms/59-14.htm">Prowl</a> <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Quietly</a> <a href="/psalms/101-5.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/psalms/73-18.htm">Settest</a> <a href="/psalms/104-17.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/psalms/96-12.htm">Woods</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/104-25.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/psalms/109-6.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/psalms/104-26.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/psalms/104-25.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-20.htm">Creep</a> <a href="/psalms/105-28.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/105-28.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/psalms/132-6.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/psalms/104-23.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/144-3.htm">Makest</a> <a href="/psalms/105-28.htm">Night</a> <a href="/psalms/104-22.htm">Places</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-18.htm">Prowl</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Quietly</a> <a href="/psalms/104-22.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-10.htm">Settest</a> <a href="/psalms/104-25.htm">Wherein</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-6.htm">Woods</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 104</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/104-1.htm">A meditation upon the mighty power</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/104-7.htm">And wonderful providence of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/104-31.htm">God's glory is eternal</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/104-33.htm">The prophet vows perpetually to praise God</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/104.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/104.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You bring darkness</b><br>This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty over creation, emphasizing His control over the natural order. In the biblical context, darkness often symbolizes God's power and mystery (<a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2-5</a>). The creation narrative in Genesis highlights God's command over light and darkness, establishing a rhythm of day and night. This control over darkness is also seen in <a href="/exodus/10-21.htm">Exodus 10:21-23</a>, where God brings darkness over Egypt as a sign of His power. Theologically, darkness can represent both physical absence of light and spiritual mystery, where God’s presence is felt even when not seen.<p><b>and it becomes night</b><br>Nighttime in ancient Israel was a period of rest and reflection, but also of vulnerability and uncertainty. The transition from day to night is a daily reminder of God's provision and protection. In the cultural context, night was often associated with danger and the unknown, as seen in the parable of the ten virgins (<a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a>), where preparedness for the coming of the bridegroom is emphasized. The night is also a time when God can reveal Himself, as He did to Jacob in a dream (<a href="/genesis/28-10.htm">Genesis 28:10-17</a>).<p><b>when all the beasts of the forest prowl</b><br>This phrase highlights the natural behavior of animals, which are active during the night. It reflects the order of creation where each creature has its time and place. In the historical context, the forests of ancient Israel were home to various animals, including lions and bears, which were known to be nocturnal hunters. This imagery is used to convey the idea of God's provision for all creatures, as seen in <a href="/job/38-39.htm">Job 38:39-41</a>, where God cares for the needs of the animals. The prowling of beasts can also symbolize the spiritual reality of evil seeking to devour, as seen in <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>, where Satan is described as a prowling lion.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who orchestrates the natural order, including the cycle of day and night.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/darkness/night.htm">Darkness/Night</a></b><br>A time created by God, signifying the transition from day, allowing for rest and the activities of nocturnal creatures.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/beasts_of_the_forest.htm">Beasts of the Forest</a></b><br>Represents the wildlife that becomes active during the night, highlighting the natural order and balance in creation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_creation.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Creation</a></b><br>Recognize that God is in control of the natural order, including the cycle of day and night. This should lead to trust in His provision and timing in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_darkness.htm">The Purpose of Darkness</a></b><br>Understand that darkness is not inherently evil but serves a purpose in God's creation. It allows for rest and the functioning of nocturnal creatures, reminding us of the balance in God's design.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_lessons_from_nature.htm">Spiritual Lessons from Nature</a></b><br>Reflect on how the natural world, including the behavior of animals, can teach us about God's wisdom and the importance of living in harmony with His creation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_presence.htm">Trust in God's Presence</a></b><br>Even in times of darkness or uncertainty, trust that God is present and active. Just as He governs the night, He is with us in our darkest moments.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_104.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 104</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_dark_night_of_the_soul.htm">What is the Dark Night of the Soul?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_were_days_counted_before_the_sun.htm">If Genesis describes the creation of the sun on the fourth day, how were there 'days' before the sun existed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_god_dwell_in_darkness_and_light.htm">2 Chronicles 6:1-2: If God is said to dwell in 'thick darkness,' how does this align with other passages presenting God as light?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_hell_real_and_eternal.htm">Is Hell real and eternal?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/104.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Creep forth.</span>--The word "forth" is better omitted. The Hebrew verb is that especially used of crawling animals and reptiles, and here, no doubt, his chosen to express the stealthy motion of the beasts when on the track of their prey. (See <a href="/psalms/104-25.htm" title="So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.">Psalm 104:25</a>; comp. <a href="/job/37-8.htm" title="Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.">Job 37:8</a>; <a href="/job/38-40.htm" title="When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?">Job 38:40</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/104.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 20, 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou makest darkness, and it is night.</span> The mention of the moon and sun introduces a picture of night (vers. 20, 21) and a picture of the day (vers. 22, 23). The day draws in - darkness descends - night is come. At once there is a stir in the animal world. Man has gone to his rest; but the time is arrived <span class="cmt_word">wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.</span> The primeval jungle is alive with motion and sound. All the animals are on the alert. seeking their prey. <span class="cmt_word">The young lions</span> are heard above all; they <span class="cmt_word">roar after their</span> <span class="cmt_word">prey, and seek their meat from God.</span> The awful sound of their hungry roar drowns almost all other sounds, and shakes with terror the hearts of those that hear. Suddenly, however, night turns into day - <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/104-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You bring</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּֽשֶׁת־</span> <span class="translit">(tā·šeṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7896.htm">Strong's 7896: </a> </span><span class="str2">To put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">darkness,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹ֭שֶׁךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·šeḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2822.htm">Strong's 2822: </a> </span><span class="str2">The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and it becomes</span><br /><span class="heb">וִ֣יהִי</span> <span class="translit">(wî·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">night,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֑יְלָה</span> <span class="translit">(lā·yə·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> </span><span class="str2">A twist, night, adversity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the beasts</span><br /><span class="heb">חַיְתוֹ־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·ṯōw-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the forest</span><br /><span class="heb">יָֽעַר׃</span> <span class="translit">(yā·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3293.htm">Strong's 3293: </a> </span><span class="str2">A copse of bushes, a forest, honey in the comb</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prowl.</span><br /><span class="heb">תִ֝רְמֹ֗שׂ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯir·mōś)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7430.htm">Strong's 7430: </a> </span><span class="str2">To glide swiftly, to crawl, move with short steps, to swarm</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/104-20.htm">Psalm 104:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/104-20.htm">Psalm 104:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/104-20.htm">Psalm 104:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/104-20.htm">Psalm 104:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/104-20.htm">Psalm 104:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/104-20.htm">Psalm 104:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/104-20.htm">Psalm 104:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/104-20.htm">Psalm 104:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/104-20.htm">Psalm 104:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/104-20.htm">Psalm 104:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/104-20.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 104:20 You make darkness and it is night (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/104-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 104:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 104:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/104-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 104:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 104:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>