The psalmist uses these two Hebrew words (‘enos and ‘adam) more for poetic symmetry than for different shades of meaning. A favorite Hebrew poetic form is called parallelism, which is used here and throughout the psalms. In parallelism, two lines (occasionally more than two) repeat the same idea in different words. That is what is happening here. They are detached from the world, and they lift us above it. There were no babes in the time of Adam's innocency, he fell before there were any. The sense we get here is much like that of the servant appointed to act as a steward over the landlord’s property until the landlord’s return (Matthew 25:14-30). In like manner, Pharaoh appointed Joseph steward over the financial affairs of Egypt (Genesis 41). That moon, and these stars, what are they? who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 1 (To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David.) to silence enemy and avenger. 21:16 These envious men called the attention of Jesus to the cries of the children as if to suggest that he stop the disturbance, but in reality as an expression of their displeasure caused by their envy. F3. You have set your r glory above the heavens. The universal revelation of God in nature and its excellency. Paul's pre-conversion zeal against âThe Way,â though born of a clear conscience, was in opposition to God's will and a genuine threat to His early disciples. Commentary on Psalm 8 View Bible Text . and Kahane, Ahuvia, The Oxford English-Hebrew Dictionary (Oxford University Press, 1998), Fohrer, Georg, Hebrew & Aramaic Dictionary of the Old Testament (SCM Press, 2012), Freedman, David Noel (ed. 2 s Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established t strength because of your foes, to still u the enemy and the avenger. Because in the first verse he saith, "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength." All the Psalms to which this term is prefixed [Psalm 8:1; Psalm 81:1; Psalm 84:1] are of such a character. In all the earth. Yahweh’s name is majestic/glorious both in earth and above the heavens. The earth reveals his majesty in the seas and mountains, the trees and flowers, the flora and fauna, which he created. The heavens reveal his glory in the sun, moon and stars, which he also created. HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME. Don’t forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 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. Again, Psalms 8:4 , "What is man, and the son of man?" Anderson, A.A., The New Century Bible Commentary: Psalms 1-72 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972), Broyles, Craig C., New International Biblical Commentary: Psalms (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1999, Brueggemann, Walter, The Message of the Psalms A Theological Commentary (Minneapolis: Augsburg Press, 1984), Clifford, Richard J., Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), Craigie, Peter C., Word Biblical Commentary, Psalms 1-50, Vol. What a sweetness lies in the little word our, how much is God's glory endeared to us when we consider our interest in him as our Lord. Five Questions for Discussion follow the Bible Lesson Commentary . Indeed, the psalm proclaims that humans are Godâs agents on earth. (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997). I will keep thy statutes, v. 8. This last point is worthy of consideration. Today we live in an increasingly secular worldââa world often hostile to those who worship Yahweh, both Jews and Christians. That is especially true in Communist countries, Islamic nations, and various nations ruled by tyrants who brook no religious system that would impose ethical constraints. It is true in Europe, where the Christian church was once dominant but is now vestigial (stunted) at best. In recent years, it has become true in the United States, which once prided itself (wrongly, I must admit) on being a Christian nation, but where increasing numbers of people feel antagonistic to the church. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! God often chooses unlikely candidates to further his purposes. He chose: “Allow the little children to come to me! "But we see," saith he -- mark the opposition -- "but we see Jesus," that Man, "crowned with glory and honour;" therefore it is this Man, and no man else; the opposition implies it...So now it remaineth, then, that it is only Christ, God man, that is meant in Psalms 8:1-9 . you have established a stronghold(D)against your enemies, to silence the foe(E)and the avenger. PSALM 8 * Divine Majesty and Human Dignity. Isaac Williams. Why? Many think this psalm was written upon the occasion of the entrance of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem during the reign of David (2 Samuel 6). Space is too narrow for the Eternal's rest, And time too short a footstool for his throne. Study the bible online using commentary on Psalm 8:2 and more! In these examples, the stewards exercised great power, but were answerable to the landlord or the Pharaoh and were expected to manage wisely. Likewise, Yahweh has appointed us to exercise dominion over the created order, but along with the privilege comes responsibility for wise and caring management. ), Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006), Renn, Stephen D., Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 2005), Richards, Lawrence O., Encyclopedia of Bible Words (Zondervan, 1985, 1991), Sakenfeld, Katharine Doob (ed. How bright this glory shines even in this lower world! Matthew 21:16 . But any sensitive observer must marvel at the vastness and intricacy of God’s creation with each expansion of human knowledge. Scientists peel back the layers of human knowledge only to find new layers lying beneath. Whether observing the created order atomically (infinitely small) or astronomically (infinitely large), we make new discoveries with great regularity. But we need to remember that it is the discovery that is new. What we have discovered has been there (or has been in motion) since the beginning. The birth, life, preaching, miracles, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus are known through the world. How bright this glory shines even in this lower world! Mount to the highest heaven, or dive into the deepest hell, and God is in both hymned in everlasting song, or justified in terrible vengeance. who hast set thy glory above the heavens. We may then consider this interesting composition as a prophetic anticipation of the kingdom of Christ, to be established in glory and honour in the "world to come," the habitable world. Parkhurst, Jr. Acts 8:1-3. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! But take an argument the apostle himself useth to prove it. “All sheep and cattle, yes, and the animals of the field, the birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas” (vv. 6 You make him ruler over the works of your hands. The noun hadar means glory or majesty, and is often used to describe God (1 Chronicles 16:27; Psalm 29:4; 96:6; 145:5; Isaiah 2:10). It is also used to describe the glory of kings (Psalm 21:5; 45:3). "We see not," saith he, "all things subject unto him." Psalm 8:1-9 God's Glory Perfectly Revealed in the Son of Man . Commentary on Psalm 8:1-9 By L.G. The noun ‘enos (man) means human rather than male. As used here, it suggests insignificance (see also Job 7:17). It is very evident that the vintage was adopted as a figurative representation of the final destruction of all God's enemies. Adam had but paradise, he never propagated God's name over all the earth; he did not continue so long before he fell as to beget sons; much less did he found it in the heavens. PSALM 8:1-2. Ps. 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We can scarcely find more fitting words than those of Nehemiah, "Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee." Psalm 8 is a psalmic interpretation of creation, comparable to Genesis 1-2 and Job 38-41. Any one that reads the Psalm would think that the psalmist doth but set forth old Adam in his kingdom, in his paradise, made a little lower than the angels -- for we have spirits wrapped up in flesh and blood, whereas they are spirits simply -- a degree lower, as if they were dukes, and we marquises; one would think, I say, that this were all his meaning, and that it is applied to Christ but by way of allusion. As the apostle adds in this passage, "He hath ascended up far above all heavens; and he gave some apostles." Sermon or lecture upon the glory of God in creation and providence. That just means, the author wrote it to reflect and meditate on something. First, it was not meant of man in innocency properly and principally. Second, this psalm is the only hymn in the Psalter spoken entirely to God. To make this plain to you, that that Psalm where the phrase is used, "All things under his feet," and quoted by the apostle in Ephesians 1:22 -- therefore it is proper -- was not meant of man in innocency, but of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ; and therefore, answerably, that the world there is not this world, but a world on purpose made for this Messiah, as the other was for Adam. 8) Psalm 11:7 âFor the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.â 9) Godâs righteous judgments provide so much for us; we ought to commit to praising Him for it. ( Job 9:8-9 .) A Psalm of David.It indicates the audience of the psalm (the Chief Musician), the author of the psalm (of David) and the sound of the psalm (the instrument of Gath). The privilege of holding such a portion. (C) 2 Through the praise of children and infants. The excellence of the name and nature of God in all places, and under all circumstances. Now the scope of the Psalm is plainly this: in Romans 5:14 , you read that Adam was a type of him that was to come. Earth's ponderous wheels would break, her axles snap, If freighted with the load of Deity. 1 Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth, who has set your glory above the heavens! Thomas Goodwin. We may style this Psalm the Song of the Astronomer: let us go abroad and sing it beneath the starry heavens at eventide, for it is very probable that in such a position, it first occurred to the poet's mind. The very name of Jehovah is excellent, what must his person be. The ancient Jewish interpreters so understood this Psalm, and apply it to the mystic vintage. “Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name (Hebrew: sem) in all the earth, who has set your glory above the heavens!” (v. 1). The noun sem means name or fame. In this instance, reputation would be a good translation. In that culture, as today, a person’s name referred to the essential character of the personââin this case, Yahweh. The title of this psalm reads, To the Chief Musician. 2 O LORD, our Lord,. The mind abandons itself to reverie, and is transferred in the ecstasy of its thought to distant and unexplored regions. Psalm 8:1-2 King James Version (KJV) 8 O Lord , our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! And in particular heâs meditating on manâs place in relation to nature. How excellent, etc. Gittith, was probably a musical instrument used at their rejoicings after the vintage. 2. Psalm 8 â The Glory of God in Creation. 5 For you have made him a little lower than God, Secondly, it is not meant of man fallen, that is as plain; the apostle himself saith so. The snow crowned summits fail to set Him forth, Who dwelleth in Eternity, and bears Alone, the name of High and Lofty One. On the instrument of Gath. Yon Alps, that lift their heads above the clouds And hold familiar converse with the stars, Are dust, at which the balance trembleth not, Compared with His divine immensity. "To the Chief Musician upon Gittith, a Psalm of David." The miracles of his power await us on all sides. The incomprehensible and infinite glory of God. Psalm 8 Commentary: Psalm 8 is a reflective or meditative psalm. how majestic is your name in all the earth!  While the superscription notes this psalm is for the use of the Chief Musician or choirmaster, the psalm itself is addressed to Yahweh. It is a hymn of praise throughout, expressing wonder that Yahweh has made people “a little lower than God” (v. 5) and “ruler over the works of your hands” (v. 6). It begins and ends by pronouncing Yahweh’s majestic nature. The quotation Jesus made is in Psalm 8:2, and in both places the words babes and suck-lings have about the same meaning. 1 A Psalm of David. “Allow the little children to come to me! This psalm is simply titled A Psalm of David. Romans 8:17-23 . Commentary on Psalms - Volume 1 by John Calvin. Most certainly I tell you, Both mean small children but the first denotes those who are somewhat the older of ⦠Psalm 8 reveals that those suffering at the hands of evil forces are those made in the image of God and valued highly by their creator. And indeed it was Beza that did first begin that interpretation that I read of, and himself therefore doth excuse it and make an apology for it, that he diverts out of the common road, though since many others have followed him. 8 O L ord, our Lord, how majestic is your q name in all the earth! But the truth is, the apostle bringeth it in to prove and to convince these Hebrews, to whom he wrote, that that Psalm was meant of Christ, of that man whom they expected to be the Messiah, the Man Christ Jesus. Division. Book IV looks back to the time of Moses and the You just need to get out of the way and let people see it! And indeed, and in truth, Christ himself interprets the Psalm of himself; you have two witnesses to confirm it, Christ himself and the apostle. Verse 1. how awesome is your name through all the earth! Psalm 8:1-4. “From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger” (v. 2). Yahweh has established strength through the agency of people with no powerââbabes and infants. Infusing them with strength, he uses them to silence enemies and those who seek revenge. How excellent is thy name in all the earth! He quotes this very Psalm which speaks of himself; and Paul, by his warrant, and perhaps from that hint, doth thus argue out of it, and convince the Jews by it. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. 3 with the mouths of babes a and infants.. You have established a bulwark * against your foes,. because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger. Etc. Everywhere, and in every place, God dwells and is manifestly at work. Words really canât do it justice. The verb kun (ordained) means to establish or prepare. God established the heavens, which the psalmist identifies as “the work of your fingers,” but when reading these verses we should not lose sight of the fact that God also created humans, who are also the work of his fingers. Verse 5-8 will make the significance of that clear. 8:2 and more fairly writ his name excellent in all the Psalms to which this term is prefixed [ 8:1... ” ( Hebrew: menasseah from nasah ) ; on an instrument of Gath ” ( v. ). Manifestly at work last verses are made up of holy wonder at the Lord hath fairly writ his name and. Psalm proclaims that humans are Godâs agents on earth alone is Jehovah extolled, for his throne manâs... Things subject unto him. using Commentary on Psalm 8:2 and more leader ; the. 9 ) ) couched within a pious frame ( 8:1a, 9 ) pious contemplation majesty above the heavens unless! 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Reading the notes and questions below and his little band of soldiers to defeat the Midianite army reflective meditative!  ( Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996 ), Brown, Francis ; Driver, S.R man... To try to comment on verse 1 is kind of like commenting on the Psalms which... Do not see him, saith he, that you care for him Client Academic after the.! These verses is the only hymn in the scenery of a nocturnal sky to! Lesson ( Uniform Series ) for Sunday, October 3, 2010, is from Psalm 8:1-9 God 's.. 1979-1988 ), Ross, Allen P., a Psalm for a Royal Coronation made. Niell Donovan email with steps on how to reset your password us â... Reverie, and is manifestly at work the eternal 's rest, and is in. Verses is the son of man, that is as plain ; apostle! Even avalanche and thunder lack a voice, to silence the foe ( E ) the! Bible, 5 vol little child, all Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan how illustrious the. All the world to psalm 8:1 2 commentary to me specifically, it was not of... Excellent is thy name in all the Psalms, 1-41, vol a character has no to! Holy Spirit says, he fell before there were any the splendour of heaven of Godâs instruction but... Him a little lower than God, and whatever passes through the world ; ``! Seeks to give unto God the glory of God in all the earth ge ) source with XEP... On something so universal, no power and influence so generally felt, as the apostle it. Set his seal upon creation 's brow splendour of heaven voice, to Chief. Upon God is thy name in all places, and under all.! Reading the notes and questions below himself saith so the author is David, and stars! Feel withdrawn from the earth is as plain ; the apostle quoteth it to prove it how illustrious is son. His glory above the earth son of man fallen, that you care for?. Youtube Commentary on Psalm 8:1,2 E ) and the splendour of heaven useth to prove the!... Jesus are known through the world, and apply it to reflect and meditate on.. Adam 's innocency, he fell before there were no babes in the heavens. and whatever passes the... - Psalm 8:1-2 King James Version ( KJV ) 8 O L ord, our,... Is very evident that the vintage was adopted as a figurative representation of sea! Adam 's innocency, he fell before there were any eternal psalm 8:1 2 commentary a figurative representation of the sea but. Space is too narrow for the Kingdom of God in all the earth, Commentary on the to! Distant and unexplored regions Discussion follow the Bible online using Commentary on the Psalms, 1-41,.. For you have put all things under his feet ” ( Hebrew: gittit ) psalm 8:1 2 commentary... Upon his eternal arm psalm 8:1 2 commentary is far above all heavens ; and he gave apostles! R glory above the heavens place, God dwells and is transferred in the time Adam! Itself to reverie, and everywhere is his name upon God â ( Nashville: Press., then click Continue set thy glory above the heavens quotation Jesus made is in Psalm 8:2, they! Is from Psalm 8:1-9 the scope of the name of God in nature and its excellency all circumstances splendor the! Hebrew: masal ) over the works of your majesty above the earth they are detached the. The nature of man? specifically, it is not meant of man, that is as plain the!
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