Psalm 8

 


      Psalm 8 is a wonderful psalm of praise!  The repeated praise in the beginning and end of the psalm points us to our personal relationship with our covenant LORD, but also to our reverence for His sovereign Lordship.  His majesty is glorious, excellent, great, and wonderful; not only on earth but also "above the heavens!"  

     Jesus quoted verse 2 in Matthew 21:34 to rebuke the chief priests and scribes when they complained about children saying "Hosanna to the Son of David!" during His Triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  This illustrates the contrast being made, that God can "...chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27).

     As David gazes upon the glory of the Creator revealed in creation, he wonders how God could care for man, who is insignificant in comparison.  Yet, God created man in His image and gave him dominion over the earth and all the creatures of the earth (Genesis 1:26-27).  However, because of the Fall, man has fallen short.  But, the references to this passage in the New Testament, such as Hebrews 2:5-10 tell us, that the incarnate Christ "for a little while was made lower than the angels," but is now "crowned with glory and honor."  Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides a way for the restoration of all creation, thus fulfilling God's intended Plan.  Pondering this should once again result in offering to God the praise that He deserves, "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:

  •  Verse 1
    • What is my response when I consider God's majesty and glory revealed on earth and above the heavens?
  • Verse 2
    •  Knowing that God is able to use even babies and infants to bring glory to Him, in what ways can God use me?
  • Verses 3-8
    • As I reflect on the references to Christ in these verses, how does that highlight how much God is truly mindful of and cares for me?
  • Verse 9
    • Take time to offer praises due to the Name of the LORD, our Lord!

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following are Links to YouTube videos of songs that have put the words of Psalm 8 to music:

  • "The Majesty the Glory of Your Name" by Tom Fettke:  Link
  • "How Majestic is Your Name" by Michael W Smith:  Link

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 149

Image
  Psalm 149 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  These praise psalms begin and end with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!"  This psalm is likely a victory song of praise from God's People to their King for deliverance but also judgment against their enemies. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 God's people are called to praise Him no matter where we are, together in assembly (v. 1) as well as alone in our beds (v. 5).  What do these verses teach us about praising the LORD? The last part of verse 4 may be translated "crowns the humble with victory," "adorns the afflicted with salvation," "beautifies the meek with salvation," "glorifies the lowly with salvation," or "exalts the oppressed by delivering them."  C.H. Spurgeon says that each "gives a new shade of meaning, well worthy
Read more

Psalm 120

Image
  Psalm 120 is the first in the Songs of Ascents series (Psalms 120-134). These songs were likely sung during the three annual festival processions to Jerusalem (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). The Feasts may typically be associated with joy, celebration, and worship, however in Psalm 120, the psalmist is crying out to the LORD in distress.  He is facing lies and deceit, such as from those in the foreign lands around him who hate peace. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 Why would it be better to turn to the LORD when facing "lying lips" and "a deceitful tongue"? Verses 5-7 What can we do when we live "among those who hate peace"? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "I Cry Unto the Lord" (Psalm 120) by Timeless Vocal Tapestry: Link
Read more

Psalm 142

Image
  Psalm 142 is in the last set of those attributed to David (138-145). This is a cave psalm (like Psalm 57), likely when David was fleeing from Saul and hid in a cave when his life was in danger. Thus, this is a prayer, crying out to the LORD for deliverance. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 What are some troubles that drive me to cry out to the LORD? Verses 3-7 When we feel overwhelmed, afraid, and alone, how is God our refuge, portion, deliverer? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Psalm 142" by Calvary Westlake:  Link
Read more