The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.

PSALMS 104:22KJV
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Psalms 104:22 (KJV)

What does Psalms 104:22 mean?

Psalms 104:22 describes how, when the sun rises, the wild animals that were active at night return to their hiding places and rest in their dens. The verse highlights the natural order and rhythm of creation, where animals respond to the cycle of day and night.

The psalm is a song of praise, traditionally attributed to David, celebrating God’s wisdom in how the world is made and sustained. Here, the focus is on how even the animals’ daily routines—coming out at night and retreating at sunrise—are part of a larger, divinely ordered system. This verse fits into a section describing how different creatures have their appointed times and places in creation.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 104:22

  • sun (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh): This word simply means "sun," and its rising marks the transition from night to day, signaling a change in activity for both animals and humans.
  • gather themselves together (אָסַף, asaf): This word often means to "gather" or "collect," and here it describes the animals regrouping or withdrawing as daylight comes.
  • lay them down (רָבַץ, ravats): This verb means to "lie down" or "rest," emphasizing the animals’ return to a state of rest and safety in their dens.
  • dens (מְעוֹנָה, me'onah): This word refers to a dwelling or shelter, specifically the safe places where animals hide or sleep during the day.

Why Psalms 104:22 matters

  • Psalms 104:22 clears up any idea that the natural world is chaotic or random; instead, it shows a pattern and order in creation, with animals instinctively following the rhythm set by the sun.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s care and design extend even to the habits of wild animals, not just to humans or more "important" creatures.
  • This detail connects to the broader theme of Psalms 104, which marvels at the wisdom and provision seen in every part of the natural world, encouraging a sense of wonder and respect for creation.

Where else these words appear

“dens” Hebrew H4585 · used in 9 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
  • Job 38:40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?
  • Jeremiah 21:13 Behold, I am against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?

“ariseth” Hebrew H2224 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 32:31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
  • 2 Kings 3:22 And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:
  • Isaiah 58:10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:

“down” Hebrew H7257 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Deuteronomy 33:13 And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,
  • Isaiah 27:10 Yet the defenced city shall be desolate, and the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof.

“sun” Hebrew H8121 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
  • 2 Samuel 2:24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.