- Home
- Bible
- Psalms
- Chapter 104
- Verse 104
Psalms 104:4
Verse
Context
Sermons
Chuck Smith
Mose Stoltzfus
John Wesley
John Calvin
St. AugustineSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
This is quoted by Paul (Heb 1:7) to denote the subordinate position of angels; that is, they are only messengers as other and material agencies. spirits--literally, "winds." flaming fire-- (Psa 105:32) being here so called.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who maketh his angels spirits,.... The angels are spirits, or spiritual substances, yet created ones; and so differ from God, who is a spirit, and from the Holy Spirit of God, who are Creators and not creatures; angels are spirits without bodies, and so differ from the souls or spirits of men, and are immaterial, and so die not; these are made by Christ, by whom all things are made, Col 1:16 and so he must be greater and more excellent than they; for which purpose the passage is quoted in Heb 1:7. Some render it, "who maketh his angels as the winds"; to which they may be compared for their invisibility, they being not to be seen, no more than the wind, unless when they assume an external form; and for their penetration through bodies in a very surprising manner; see Act 12:6, and for their great force and power, being mighty angels, and said to excel in strength, Psa 103:20, and for their swiftness in obeying the divine commands; so the Targum, "he maketh his messengers, or angels, swift as the wind.'' His ministers a flaming fire; angels are ministers to God, stand before him, behold his face, wait for and listen to his orders, and execute them; they are ministers to Christ, they were so at his incarnation, in his infancy, when in the wilderness and in the garden, at his resurrection and ascension, and will attend him at his second coming; and these are ministers to his people, take the care of them, encamp about them, do many good offices to them in life, and at death carry their souls to Abraham's bosom: these are made a flaming fire, or "as" flaming fire, for their force and power; so the Targum, "his ministers strong as flaming fire;'' and for their swiftness as before; and because of their burning love to God, Christ, and his people, and their flaming zeal for his cause and interest; hence thought by some to be called "seraphim": and because they are sometimes the executioners of God's wrath; and have sometimes appeared in fiery forms, as in forms of horses of fire and chariots of fire, and will descend with Christ in flaming fire at the last day; see Kg2 2:11. Some invert the words, both reading and sense, thus, "who maketh the winds his angels, or messengers, and flaming fire his ministers"; so Jarchi, Aben Ezra, and Kimchi; we read of stormy wind fulfilling his word, Psa 148:8, he sends out his winds at his pleasure to do his errands; as to dry up the waters of the flood, to drive back the waters of the Red sea, and make dry land, to bring quails from thence, and scatter them about the camp of Israel, and in many other instances. So flaming fire was used as his ministers in burning Sodom and Gomorrah; and multitudes of the murmuring Israelites, and the captains with their fifties; but this sense is contrary to the order of the words, and the design of them, and to the apostle's sense of them, Heb 1:7 which is confirmed by the Targum, Septuagint, and all the Oriental versions.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
104:4 Wind and lightning are seen as divine messengers. The Lord uses weather phenomena as he desires (77:17-18; 78:26; 135:7; 148:5-6). • The psalmist interacts with day three of creation (Gen 1:9-13). The Lord is master of water and earth.
Psalms 104:4
How Many Are Your Works, O LORD!
3laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind. 4He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Through the Bible) Hebrews 1-2
By Chuck Smith2.1K1:31:36PSA 102:25PSA 104:4MAT 6:33HEB 1:6HEB 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that in the past, God spoke to our ancestors in various ways, but in the present time, He has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The speaker highlights seven facts about Jesus Christ, including his appointment as the heir of all things and the promise of a glorious kingdom yet to come. The prophets of the Old Testament provided glimpses of this kingdom, where mankind lived in peace and abundance. The speaker also expresses awe and gratitude for God's love and grace, acknowledging that even the articulate King David was left speechless before God's goodness. The sermon concludes with an encouragement to spend time in worship and fellowship with God, growing in our relationship with Him.
When God Comes
By Mose Stoltzfus16458:40RevivalPSA 104:4MAT 6:33LUK 24:25JHN 1:1JHN 1:141PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in God and the power of His presence. He uses the example of Abraham, who didn't have a religious background or training but believed in God and was counted as righteous. The preacher also highlights the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow down to an idol and were thrown into a fiery furnace. However, God came and delivered them, causing the king to recognize the presence of God. The sermon emphasizes the need for faith, sacrifice, and the power of God's word in our lives.
Prove What Is That Good, and Acceptable, and Perfect, Will of God
By A.B. Simpson0PSA 104:4MAT 2:11JHN 9:38HEB 1:6REV 4:10Wayne Barber delves into the meaning of worship, emphasizing the significance of proskuneo, which involves prostrating oneself in homage before God. He explores the profound awe and respect associated with worship, highlighting how proskuneo represents adoration and reverence. Barber discusses the command to worship effectively and fully, drawing from biblical examples of angels and individuals prostrating themselves before God. He also contrasts the worship of God with the worship of false idols, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Jesus as worthy of worship.
Of Good Angels
By John Wesley0Divine AssistanceAngelsJOB 1:19PSA 91:11PSA 104:4ISA 63:9DAN 6:22MAT 18:10HEB 1:14REV 12:7John Wesley explores the role of good angels as ministering spirits sent by God to assist the heirs of salvation. He emphasizes that while ancient cultures had fragmented ideas about angels, true understanding comes from revelation, which describes angels as powerful, wise, and holy beings who actively engage in the lives of believers. Wesley highlights their ability to perceive human thoughts and emotions, their strength in spiritual warfare, and their role in providing protection and guidance. He encourages believers to recognize and appreciate the ministry of angels, which operates alongside God's providence in their lives.
Fire, and Hail; Snow and Vapours; Stormy Wind Fulfilling His Word
By John Calvin0JOB 37:6PSA 104:4PSA 148:8MAT 5:45JAS 5:17John Calvin preaches about the sovereignty of God over nature, emphasizing how elements like hail, snow, storms, and winds all fulfill God's word and are under His control. He highlights that every weather change, from rain to thunder, is orchestrated by God's will to either show His goodness or bring judgment. Calvin teaches that in times of drought or excessive rain, we should pray to God for His intervention, recognizing His power over creation and His ability to calm the troubled elements.
Genesis 8:1-22
By John Calvin0GEN 8:1GEN 8:21PSA 104:4PSA 116:12ISA 54:92PE 3:6John Calvin preaches on the story of Noah and the great flood, emphasizing God's faithfulness in remembering Noah and all living creatures in the ark, showcasing His power over the elements by making the wind pass over the earth to calm the waters. Calvin highlights Noah's patience and obedience, waiting for God's command to leave the ark, and the significance of the sacrifices offered to God as acts of gratitude and worship. He delves into the depth of human depravity, as God acknowledges the innate evil in man's heart, yet shows mercy by promising to never again destroy the earth with a flood, ensuring the continuity of seasons and the order of nature.
Exposition on Psalm 105
By St. Augustine0PSA 104:1PSA 104:4PSA 104:8PSA 104:12PSA 105:2PSA 105:4MAT 6:9MAT 11:25JHN 21:17ROM 8:25St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, highlighting the praises and confessions to the Lord, the importance of seeking God's face continually, and the everlasting covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He emphasizes God's faithfulness in leading the Israelites out of Egypt, showcasing His power through the plagues and provision in the desert. Augustine reflects on the divine blessings bestowed upon the Israelites, attributing the merit of faith to Abraham for God's fulfillment of His promises.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
This is quoted by Paul (Heb 1:7) to denote the subordinate position of angels; that is, they are only messengers as other and material agencies. spirits--literally, "winds." flaming fire-- (Psa 105:32) being here so called.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who maketh his angels spirits,.... The angels are spirits, or spiritual substances, yet created ones; and so differ from God, who is a spirit, and from the Holy Spirit of God, who are Creators and not creatures; angels are spirits without bodies, and so differ from the souls or spirits of men, and are immaterial, and so die not; these are made by Christ, by whom all things are made, Col 1:16 and so he must be greater and more excellent than they; for which purpose the passage is quoted in Heb 1:7. Some render it, "who maketh his angels as the winds"; to which they may be compared for their invisibility, they being not to be seen, no more than the wind, unless when they assume an external form; and for their penetration through bodies in a very surprising manner; see Act 12:6, and for their great force and power, being mighty angels, and said to excel in strength, Psa 103:20, and for their swiftness in obeying the divine commands; so the Targum, "he maketh his messengers, or angels, swift as the wind.'' His ministers a flaming fire; angels are ministers to God, stand before him, behold his face, wait for and listen to his orders, and execute them; they are ministers to Christ, they were so at his incarnation, in his infancy, when in the wilderness and in the garden, at his resurrection and ascension, and will attend him at his second coming; and these are ministers to his people, take the care of them, encamp about them, do many good offices to them in life, and at death carry their souls to Abraham's bosom: these are made a flaming fire, or "as" flaming fire, for their force and power; so the Targum, "his ministers strong as flaming fire;'' and for their swiftness as before; and because of their burning love to God, Christ, and his people, and their flaming zeal for his cause and interest; hence thought by some to be called "seraphim": and because they are sometimes the executioners of God's wrath; and have sometimes appeared in fiery forms, as in forms of horses of fire and chariots of fire, and will descend with Christ in flaming fire at the last day; see Kg2 2:11. Some invert the words, both reading and sense, thus, "who maketh the winds his angels, or messengers, and flaming fire his ministers"; so Jarchi, Aben Ezra, and Kimchi; we read of stormy wind fulfilling his word, Psa 148:8, he sends out his winds at his pleasure to do his errands; as to dry up the waters of the flood, to drive back the waters of the Red sea, and make dry land, to bring quails from thence, and scatter them about the camp of Israel, and in many other instances. So flaming fire was used as his ministers in burning Sodom and Gomorrah; and multitudes of the murmuring Israelites, and the captains with their fifties; but this sense is contrary to the order of the words, and the design of them, and to the apostle's sense of them, Heb 1:7 which is confirmed by the Targum, Septuagint, and all the Oriental versions.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
104:4 Wind and lightning are seen as divine messengers. The Lord uses weather phenomena as he desires (77:17-18; 78:26; 135:7; 148:5-6). • The psalmist interacts with day three of creation (Gen 1:9-13). The Lord is master of water and earth.