Psalm 8
Psalm 8 • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
Superscript reads:To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. From this we learn this Psalm was to be sung since addressed to the chief Musician.
Gittith is an obscure term found in psalm superscriptions (Pss. 8, 81, 84), always as part of the phrase ʿal-haggittɩ̂ṯ, typically translated “according to The Gittith” (NRSV, NIV; cf. NJPSV). Like other terms with ʿal in the psalm superscriptions, it is likely a technical term denoting a melody, perhaps one associated with Gath. Other possibilities include a type of musical instrument (e.g., the Gittite lyre), a cultic procedure, or a festal song/ceremony, perhaps associated with the New Year or Tabernacles (cf. LXX “at the wine vats,” from Heb. gaṯ).
We also see that it is a Psalm of David. But just when did David compose the Psalm? Three theories:
When David brought the Ark of the Covenant to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite (1 Chron. 13:12-14).
Some have suggested when David captured Jerusalem.
Still others have suggested when he slew Goliath of Gath.
We may not know what event stirred the writing but we can most certainly suggest it was written at night, under a starry sky.
Two more thoughts: It is in Book 1 and it is a Psalm of praise. Speech class: tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you have told them.
A Set Of Book Ends
A Set Of Book Ends
King James Version Psalm 8
1 O LORD our Lord,
How excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
King James Version Psalm 8
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
To understand these verses we must understand a few words as they were used in the Old Testament times:
Name: A child in the OT recieved their name on the 8th day, one’s name was used to describe their character, later it came to represent honor or authority.
Glory: Several Hebrew words are translated “glory,” most commonly kāḇôḏ, “heavy, weighty, burdensome” (cf. Isa. 22:24). Related terms are hāḏār (e.g., the splendor of God’s work, Ps. 90:16) and hôḏ, (used here) God’s sovereignty over all things (Ps. 148:13), more often translated “honor.” The LXX translates with Gk. dóxa, unifying glory with its manifestations and encompassing the greatness and majesty of God. The NT inherited this complex of meanings, also using dóxa in the classical Greek sense of “reputation” (cf. Luke 14:10), in the Hebrew sense of “weighty” (2 Cor. 4:17), and for the Shekinah, God’s tabernacling presence (1 Pet. 4:14).
Excellent: powerful :- excellent, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, lordly, mighty (-ier, one), noble, principal, worthy.
LORD: Whenever all caps are used it always Jehovah or Yahweh.
Adonai: means properly master, lord, ruler, owner, and is such a title as is given to an owner of land or of slaves, to kings, or to rulers, and is applied to God as being the ruler or governor of the universe.
Now let’s begin to put this together: first, the psalmist acknowledged Yahweh to be the rightful ruler, king, or master of himself and of all others. He comes before him with the feeling that Yahweh is the universal ruler—the king and proprietor of all things.
Second: How excellent is thy name or How glorious, powerful, worthy you are because it is revealed in your name.
Third: In all the earth You, oh God, are not just seen in Israel, but You are known throughout the world.
Fourth: Who hast set thy glory above the heavens, that is O God, may You be exalted to the highest degree. Exalted higher than the moon and the stars, above the heavens. In His name there is such MAGNIFICENCE David desire it to be the highest object in the universe.
Between the Book Ends
Between the Book Ends
King James Version Psalm 8
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.
Babes and sucklings: refer to children
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Jesus Christ born of a virgin, assuming the nature of a man, died on the cross, now sitting at the right hand of the Father . We naturally think of salvation, but as this verse states it was much more. The idea is, that there were those who rose up against God, and opposed his government and plans, and that God, in overcoming them, instead of putting forth his own power directly, had condescended to employ those who were weak and feeble like little children. Who these enemies were is not specified, but some say it is most natural to suppose that the reference is to some of the foes of David, others believe this is a reference to Satan who is both the enemy and the avenger.
Now we can understand out of the mouths of babes and sucklings: Matt. 21:16 16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
King James Version Psalm 8
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
When I look upon the night sky, I marvel at your handiwork. Ann, does counted-cross-stitch, intricate work with her fingers, here is a picture of skill rather than strength; showing Gods skill in creating the heavens.
S. M. Lockridge: “The reason God came from nowhere, was there was nowhere for Him to come from. And coming from nowhere, He stood on nothing for there was nowhere for Him to stand. And standing on nothing, He reached out where there was nowhere to reach and caught something where there was nothing to catch, and hung something on nothing, and told it to stay there.”
Of all of God’s creation, nothing is more majestic to me than the night sky. Sure, I’ve seen beautiful sunrises and sunsets, but the night sky, nothing compares to it, the vastness, yet God placed each star where it is, determined it’s brightness, and I like to think it’s all there for me to enjoy.
King James Version Psalm 8
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
And the son of man, that thou visitest him?
What is man, why did You think of us, why redeem us? God created man, Adam & Eve. They rebelled. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
John 3: 28-36
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. 32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. 33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. 34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. 35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
King James Version Psalm 8
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,
And hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Jesus Christ emptied Himself of His deity and glory in heaven to be made lower than angels, appearing on this earth in the form of a servant, that is in the likeness of man. David is awestruck with the though of a Messiah coming to earth to redeem His sin debt.
I still have a hard time believing Jesus died for my sins, that He loved me that much…that's what’s going through Davids brain.
King James Version Psalm 8
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands;
Thou hast put all things under his feet:
Hebrews 2:6-9
King James Version Chapter 2
6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? 7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, vwho was made a little lower than the angels vfor the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
King James Version Psalm 8
7 All sheep and oxen,
Yea, and the beasts of the field;
Sheep and oxen are domesticated animals. While beasts of the field or plain are considered wild animals. Many domesticated animals were once wild. David is alluding to the power mankind has over taming them in order that they obey man’s will.
Isn’t this a picture of a lost person becoming saved. He is a new creation, taken from sin, adopted into God’s family?
King James Version Psalm 8
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea,
And whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
Psalms, Volume 1 § 4. Contents of the Psalm
This dominion is the more remarkable because the birds of the air seem to be beyond the reach of man; and yet, equally with the beasts of the field, they are subject to his control. Man captures and destroys them; he prevents their multiplication and their ravages. Numerous as they are, and rapid as is their flight, and strong as many of them are, they have never succeeded in making man subject to them, or in disturbing the purposes of man
The idea is mankind has wide and universal dominion, a dominion filled with amazement, awe, wonder, all because of Jesus Christ. David is expressing His gratitude just as we should.
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Psalms, Volume 1 § 4. Contents of the Psalm
Repeating the sentiment with which the psalm opens, as now fully illustrated, or as its propriety is now seen. The intermediate thoughts are simply an illustration of this; and now we see what occupied the attention of the psalmist when, in ver. 1, he gave utterance to what seems there to be a somewhat abrupt sentiment. We now, at the close of the psalm, see clearly its beauty and truthfulness.
