SINGING WITH CREATION: AN ECO-THEOLOGICAL AND LITURGICAL EXEGESIS OF PSALM 104

Abstract

This study explores Psalm 104 as a key biblical text for eco-theological reflection, highlighting creation's active participation in divine praise. Against the backdrop of escalating ecological crises, theology increasingly turns to Scripture for models ofsustainable ethics and creation care. However, while considerable scholarly attention focuses on Genesis and the prophetic texts, the Psalms (particularly Psalm 104) remain comparatively underexplored as liturgical expressions of God's relationship with the natural world. The study exegetes Psalm 104 through literary-theological and ecological lenses to demonstrate how nature is portrayed as a worshipping subject rather than merely a passive object. Using a qualitative exegetical methodology, the research engages ecological hermeneutics and the works of Bauckham, Habel, and Deane-Drummond to interpret the psalm's poetic structure, imagery, and theological themes. The findings indicate that Psalm 104 envisions a theocentric cosmos in which all creatures, human and non-human alike, praise God through their existence and function. The psalm celebrates divine providence, ecological interdependence, and cosmic harmony, thereby challenging anthropocentric theological perspectives. Nature's response to God in praise has significant implications for Christian worship, liturgy, and public theology. The study concludes that Psalm 104 constitutes a valuable theological resource for Christian ecological ethics. It recommends incorporating creation-conscious practices into Christian worship, encouraging further research on other creation psalms and Wisdom literature, and promoting deeper engagement with ecological theology in both liturgical and academic contexts. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that Psalm 104 invites the Church to participate in a cosmic liturgy in which creation itself continually praises the Creator.