Psalms 104:19

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 104:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He appointed the moon for seasons: The sun knoweth his going down.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He appointed the moon for seasons: The sun knoweth his going down.
Psalms 104:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 104

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19He appointed the moon for seasons: The sun knoweth his going down.

What do historical commentaries say?

Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He appointed the moon for seasons - Genesis 1:14-18. That is, The moon, as well as the sun, is appointed to divide time; to determine its progress; to indicate the return of festival occasions, or appointed times to be observed in any manner. It is, in fact, the foundation of the division of the year into “months,” and consequently the indication of all that is to be observed in the “months” of the year. But for this, there would be no natural divisions of time except those of day and night, and of the year. How great an advantage it is for the purpose of life, to have time broken up into brief intervals or periods which can be marked and remembered, both in our private life and in history,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For seasons - To distinguish the times, the seasons of divers natural events, as of the ebbing and flowing of waters, and other seasons for sacred and civil affairs, which were commonly regulated by the moon. Psalms 104:20”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“104:19-23 The psalmist rejoices in the order of night and day, marking day four of creation (Gen 1:14-19). This cycle gives all creatures an opportunity to live. 104:19 the moon to mark the seasons: Ancient Israel based its calendar on the cycles of the moon. • the sun knows when to set: This is a poetic description from the perspective of normal observation. The sun goes down at a regular time every evening.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Psa 8:3, Psa 136:7-9; Gen 1:14-18; Deu 4:19; Job 31:26-28, Job 38:12; Jer 31:35 Psalms 104:20”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification