1 O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
2 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.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Psalm 8 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a hymn of praise, written by David, King of Israel. This psalm is an acknowledgment of God's glory and majesty as well as a reflection on the significance of humanity within God's creation. It is a contemplative piece that encourages readers to marvel at God’s incomprehensible power and love, whilst also recognizing their own place and purpose within the grand design of the universe.
The psalm begins and ends with the same affirmation: "O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:1,9). This literary technique, known as an inclusio, serves to frame the entire psalm around the central theme of God's majesty. The phrase "how excellent is thy name" is not simply referring to God's literal name, but to His character, His attributes, and His deeds. The term "excellent" conveys the idea of majestic, worthy of admiration, and superior to all others. Therefore, David is expressing his awe and wonder at God's supreme power and authority.
In verses 3 and 4, David marvels at the vastness of God's creation, specifically mentioning the heavens, the moon, and the stars. The night sky, filled with celestial bodies, is a testament to God's creative power and serves to highlight the insignificance of man in comparison. Yet, despite the grandeur of the cosmos, David notes with amazement that God is mindful of man and cares for him. This juxtaposition of the infinite universe and the finite man serves to magnify the wonder of God's love for humanity.
Psalm 8 also reflects on the dignity and worth of humanity. Despite humanity's smallness in comparison to the cosmos, David points out that God has made man "a little lower than the angels" and crowned him with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5). He has given man dominion over the works of His hands, placing all things under his feet (Psalm 8:6). This is a reference to the creation account in Genesis, where God gives Adam and Eve dominion over the earth and all its creatures. Thus, Psalm 8 reaffirms the high value and purpose that God has bestowed upon humanity.
One of the central paradoxes of Psalm 8 is the simultaneous insignificance and significance of man. On one hand, when compared to the vastness of the universe, man seems insignificant. Yet, according to God's design, man is of immense worth and importance. This paradox serves to humble us, reminding us of our smallness and dependence on God, while also affirming our dignity and worth as God's special creation.
Another key theme in Psalm 8 is the humility inherent in true praise. David, despite being a king, acknowledges his own insignificance in comparison to God's greatness. He marvels at the fact that God, the Creator of the universe, should care for him and entrust him with dominion over the earth. This humble recognition of God's majesty and man's dependence on Him is a key aspect of genuine worship.
In verse 2, David affirms the power of God's majesty by stating, "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." This verse highlights the idea that God's majesty is so powerful, even the weakest and most vulnerable – infants and children – can defeat His enemies. This serves as a reminder that God's power and majesty are not dependent on human strength or abilities.
Throughout Psalm 8, David repeatedly emphasizes the reflection of God's glory in His creation. The heavens, the moon, and the stars all declare God's majesty. Moreover, the dominion that God has given man over the earth is a reflection of His own dominion over the universe. This theme serves as a reminder that all of creation is a testament to God's power, wisdom, and love.
The repeated phrase, "O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:1,9), speaks to the universal praise of God. David acknowledges that God's majesty is not confined to a particular place or people but is evident throughout the whole earth. This universality of God's praise serves as a reminder of His omnipresence and His desire for all people to acknowledge His sovereignty.
In conclusion, Psalm 8 is a profound reflection on the majesty of God and the dignity of man. It calls readers to marvel at the greatness of God's creation, to recognize their own significance within that creation, and to respond with humble and heartfelt praise. It reminds us of our dependence on God, our responsibility as stewards of His creation, and our privilege as bearers of His image. Above all, it affirms the excellent name of the LORD, our Lord, in all the earth.
Share this page