Psalms 8

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 8

A psalm of David celebrating God's glory in creation and the surprising honor he gives to human beings. Despite God's vast universe, he cares deeply about people and has placed them in charge of his creation.

Scripture

God's Majestic Name

Study note

David marvels at how God's glory fills the whole earth. Even praise from little children is strong enough to silence God's enemies.

1 O Lord, our Lord, the whole earth rings with the glory of your name! You have spread your beauty and splendor far above the sky. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

2 From the mouths of small children and babies, you built a wall of praise. It answers your foes. It shuts down all who stand against you. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

Humanity's Place in Creation

Study note

When David looks at the night sky, he wonders why God would care about human beings. Yet God has given humanity authority over all creation.

3 When I stare up at the night sky — everything your fingers shaped — the moon and every star you placed right, When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

4 I can't help wondering: why do you even think about human beings? Why would you pay any attention to ordinary people like us? What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

5 And yet, you made them just a little lower than the angels. You gave them a wonderful crown of glory and honor. For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

6 You handed them authority over everything your hands have made. You placed the entire world under their care: Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

7 every sheep and cow, and all the untamed animals too, All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

8 the birds flying through the sky, the fish swimming in the sea, and every creature gliding through the ocean currents. The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

Closing Praise

Study note

The psalm ends the same way it began, praising God's majestic name throughout the whole earth.

9 O Lord, our Lord, the glory of your name fills the entire earth! O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 8

God's glory in creationThe surprising dignity of human beingsHumanity's role as stewards of creationWorship inspired by the night sky

Prophetic Connections

How this chapter points to Christ

Psalms Psalm 8:2 Matthew 21:16

Jesus quoted this verse when children praised him in the temple, showing that God ordains praise from the mouths of infants and children.

Psalms Psalm 8:4-6 Hebrews 2:6-8

The author of Hebrews applies this psalm to Christ, who was made a little lower than the angels and then crowned with glory through his suffering.

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 8

The next time you look at the stars, let them remind you of something astonishing: the God who made all of that cares deeply about you. He crowned you with glory and honor. You are not an accident — you are a treasured part of God's creation, given real purpose and responsibility.

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