Psalms 147:9 Meaning: God Hears the Young Ravens When They Call
He provides food for the livestock, and for the young ravens when they call.
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.
He giveth to the beast his food, Andto the young ravens which cry.
Giving to the beast its food, To the young of the ravens that call.
Who giveth to the cattle their food, to the young ravens which cry.
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Psalm 147:9 mention ravens? Discover how God's provision for the lowliest creatures reveals His compassionate care for all who call on Him.
Context
Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise likely written after the return from exile, celebrating God's restoration of Jerusalem and His care over all creation. The poet moves from grand displays of power, numbering the stars, to intimate acts of provision. In verses 8 and 9, God is shown covering the skies with clouds, preparing rain, making grass grow on mountains, and then feeding the animals. The mention of young ravens is deliberately striking. Under the Law, ravens were unclean, and ancient naturalists believed they abandoned their young early. The psalmist chooses this lowly, neglected bird to make a point: no creature is too small or despised for God to notice and provide for.
Key Words
The Hebrew verb natan, ‘gives’, is plain and active. God does not simply allow food to appear; He personally hands it out. The word for ‘food’ is lechem, the same word used for bread, the staff of life. That ordinary, daily provision comes directly from His hand. The verb qara, ‘call’, is the same word used throughout the Psalms for crying out to God in desperate need. The young ravens do not make a polite request; they croak urgently, raw and insistent. The ancient rabbis noted that this cry is like an importunate plea that will not be refused. Together these words paint a picture: the Creator bends low to hear the most helpless cry and answers with bread.
How Christians Read This Verse
Early Christian interpreters, including some Church Fathers, saw the ravens as a picture of the Gentile nations. Considered unclean and far from God, their young would one day call upon the true God and be fed with spiritual food. The Reformed tradition, represented by Calvin and Matthew Henry, emphasizes God’s common grace: He sustains all creatures, even those that seem worthless to humans. Anglican scholars like those behind the Cambridge Bible note the raven’s distinctive, persistent croak as an example of helpless need. Across these readings, the constant is God’s willingness to hear the lowliest cry and provide.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading assumes this verse is simply a nice observation about animal care, with no real message for people. In fact, the psalmist chose the raven deliberately, the unclean, neglected bird that human society disregards. If God provides for the most despised creature, He will certainly provide for you when you cry to Him. The verse is a powerful invitation to trust, not a trivia note about ornithology.
Living This Out
This week, you may feel like a young raven, overlooked, unimportant, even a little ashamed. Your prayer may not sound elegant; it might be a rough, raw croak of need. This verse assures you that God hears that cry. He is not put off by your mess or your insignificance. You can bring Him your empty hands, for daily bread, for hope, for a sign that you matter. And as you receive His provision, let that soften your heart toward others who feel just as small. You can be the answer to someone else’s cry.
Main takeaway: God hears the cry of the lowliest creature and answers with His own hand, so you can trust Him with your deepest need.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God feeds the baby ravens when they cry. You are much more important to Him than a bird. When you need something, you can always call to God.
For ages 9, 12
This verse shows that God cares for creatures that people overlook. Ravens were considered unclean and not useful, but God still provides for them. That means God sees you even when you feel invisible or unimportant. When you feel like no one hears you, remember that God hears your cry just like He hears the young ravens. You can trust Him with your needs.
Questions People Ask
Why does the psalmist specifically mention ravens?
Ravens were considered unclean animals under the Law of Moses (Leviticus 11:15) and were often associated with neglect and desolation. By choosing this lowly bird, the psalmist emphasizes that God's care extends to the most despised and helpless creatures. If God feeds the raven's young, He certainly cares for His people.
What does 'call' mean in this verse, do the ravens actually pray?
The Hebrew word qara means to call out, cry, or proclaim. In this context it describes the ravens' instinctive cry of need. Scripture uses this same word for people crying out to God in distress. The verse suggests that even animal cries reach God, but it especially invites humans to see that their own cries are heard.
How does Jesus' teaching about birds in Matthew 6 relate to this verse?
Jesus directly references this idea in Matthew 6:26 and Luke 12:24, saying that God feeds the birds of the air, and we are of much more value than they. Psalm 147:9 lays the foundation: God's provision for ravens shows His faithful care. Jesus builds on it to teach us not to worry about our basic needs, because our Father knows what we need and will provide.
What does the young ravens' cry teach us about prayer?
The young ravens' cry is an urgent, persistent plea, not a polite request. It teaches us that God hears honest, desperate prayer. We don't need to have perfect words or clean lives to be heard. Like the ravens, we can cry out from our need, and God will answer.
Is there a connection between Psalm 147:9 and Job 38:41?
Job 38:41 asks, 'Who provides for the raven his prey, when his young ones cry to God?' Psalm 147:9 echoes that question with an answer: God does. Both passages highlight God's sovereignty and care over creation, even for creatures that seem abandoned. Together they form a consistent biblical theme: God hears the cry of the helpless.
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