8:1ffPortions of this psalm are quoted in the New Testament and applied to Christ (1 Corinthians 15:27; Hebrews 2:6-8). God became human—lower than God—in the person of Jesus (8:5), and he will raise all who belong to him when he comes to reign over the new heaven and new earth. Jesus is the only person who perfectly reflects God’s image (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:15).
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 8
Psalm 8
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 849, 850
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8Psalm 8
Author: David
18 For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.*O LORD, our LORD, your majestic name fills the earth!Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2You have taught children and infantsto tell of your strength,*silencing your enemiesand all who oppose you.
3When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—4 what are people that you should think about them,mere mortals that you should care for them?*
5Yet you made them only a little lower than God*and crowned them* with glory and honor.
6You gave them charge of everything you made,putting all things under their authority—7 the flocks and the herdsand all the wild animals,8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,and everything that swims the ocean currents.90 LORD, our LORD, your majestic name fills the earth!Theme: God never ignores our cries for help.Author: David, probably written after a victory over the Philistines
9For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Death of the Son.”1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;
Textual footnotes
- Matt 21:16.
- 8:2 Greek version reads fo give you praise. Compare
Life Application Notes 5 notes
8:2Children are able to trust and praise God without doubts or reservations. As we get older, many of us find this more and more difficult to do. Ask God to give you childlike faith, removing any barriers to having a closer watk with him.
8:3,4To respect God's majesty, we must compare ourselves to his greatness. When we look at creation, we often feel small by comparison. This is a healthy way to get back to reality, but God does not want us to dwell on our smaliness. Humility means proper respect for God, not self-depreciation.
8:3-5When we look at the vast expanse of creation, we wonder how God could be concerned for people who constantly disappoint him. Yet God created us only a little lower than himself and the angels! The next time you question your worth as a person, remember that God considers you highly valuable. We have great worth because we bear the stamp of the Creator. (See Genesis 1:26, 27 for the extent of worth God piaces on all people.) Because God has already declared how valuable we are to him, we can be set free from feelings of worthlessness.
8:6God gave human beings tremendous-authority—to be in charge of the whole earth. But with great authority comes great responsibility. If we own a pet, we have the legal authority to do with it as we wish, but we also have the responsibility to feed and care for it. How do you treat God's creation? Use your resources wisely because God holds you accountable as his steward.
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