I think Psalm 104 and the ancient Egyptian hymn are vastly similar, but there are some differences between the two. Both passages are focused on regarding a higher power as the creator and master of the world around them. The Egyptian hymn is focused more on the creator helping to continue life for all organisms on Earth, while Psalm 104 focuses on the creator giving a purpose to the actions of life forms on Earth. At least that is how I interpreted each of them.
I think the main message of Psalm 104 is borrowed from the Egyptian hymn because the message is essentially the same. The higher power is the creator of all life and keeps the world spinning so to speak.
“He founded earth on its solid base, not to be shaken forevermore.” –Psalm 104, v.5
“[Y]our rays embrace the lands as far as everything you have made.” –Egyptian Hymn, v.2
I think Psalm 104 reflects the world of the ancient Israelites just as well as it represents the world now. This Psalm does not lose relevance as time goes on. This Psalm was meant for the Lord and if it was prayed today it would be prayed to the same entity. I think that is what makes the Psalms timeless. They can still be used today and have an equally powerful meaning as when they were written. The Matisyahu song we listened to in class proves that the Psalms can be applied to multiple situations and have a powerful message.
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