When I consider your heavens
Psalm 8 is a wonderful hymn of praise to God for His grandeur and glory, as seen in the heavens and in His relationship to humanity. Some theologians apply the psalm to Jesus in view of the world to come, giving it a messianic slant and therefore appropriate to a wider interpretation. Structurally the psalm is divided into three stanzas, each one reflecting on different aspects of God's glory.
1O Lord, our Lord,How excellent is Your name in all the earth,Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infantsYou have ordained strength,Because of Your enemies,That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
4 What is man that You are mindful of him,And the son of man that You visit him?
5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels,And You have crowned him with glory and honour.
6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen—Even the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the air,And the fish of the seaThat pass through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord,How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
In the first verse, the psalmist begins by addressing God as "O Lord, our Lord" and praising Him for His majestic name. The psalmist marvels at the vastness of the universe and the smallness of humanity in comparison yet acknowledges that God has made humanity "a little lower than the angels" and has "crowned [them] with glory and honour" (v. 5). This verse is considered by many scholars as a reference to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who by putting on flesh humbles himself to be a little lower than the angels,
and for his obedience was crowned with glory and honour by God.
In the second verse, the psalmist reflects on the power and majesty of God, as seen in the stars and the moon, and the fact that God has made everything "for [His] pleasure" (v. 3). He also points out that even little children are able to praise God and silence his enemies. This verse may be seen as a prophecy of the coming of the Messiah, who will be praised by children and infants.
In the third verse, the psalmist reflects on the incredible fact that God, the creator of the universe, cares for and is mindful of humanity, despite our insignificance in comparison to the grandeur of creation. The Psalmist also reflects on the power and authority God has given humanity, including the authority to rule over the earth and its creatures (v. 6). This authority is not for the benefit of humanity, but for the glory of God and to reflect His image. This verse is also seen as a prophecy of Jesus the Messiah, who was given authority over all things in heaven and earth and who will rule with justice.
Throughout the psalm, the psalmist demonstrates a deep awe and reverence for God and His creation and recognises the importance of humanity in God's plan. It also reflects on the humility and grace of God towards humanity despite our limited capabilities and serves as a call to praise and worship God for His glory and majesty.
Have a great and blessed day,
Trev.