Psalms 104:28
That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.
Psalms 104:28
This verse completes a circle: “That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.” It pictures creatures receiving sustenance from God and gathering it, followed by the affirmation that God’s open hand results in abundance. The imagery parallels the theme of divine provision—God freely gives, and creatures respond with gathering and consumption. The verse is a succinct prayer of dependence and gratitude, illustrating a responsive divine-human relationship. In the broader Hebrew Bible, such language often ties to harvest, blessing, and the personality of God as a good caretaker who delights in meeting the needs of all living beings. It also implies a cycle of giving and receiving that sustains life and fosters communal flourishing.
This text emphasizes God’s benevolent provision and the responsibility of creatures to receive and steward gifts. It highlights the Creator’s generosity—an open hand symbolizes accessibility and abundance. Theologically, it supports a worldview where wealth and resources are gifts rather than ultimate securities, guiding believers toward trust in God rather than idolatrous reliance on wealth. It also invites ethical living: because all life depends on God’s gift, humans should share resources, avoid waste, and care for the vulnerable who depend on divine provision through human generosity.
Practice gratitude and responsible stewardship: keep a habit of acknowledging God’s provision before meals, celebrate harvests, and share surplus with others. In daily routines, evaluate consumption: reduce waste, compost, and choose sustainable options. If you supervise others (in family, work, or church), model generosity—open-handed leadership that allows others to receive. Support food banks, community gardens, and programs that help people access nutritious food. Teach children to recognize needs and respond with generosity. The verse invites you to see provisioning as a divine gift that should evoke gratitude, responsible use, and communal care.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Psalm 104:10-14; Matthew 6:25-34; James 1:17; 2 Corinthians 9:8