Psalms
Summary
Psalm 8 is a magnificent hymn of praise focused on the majesty of God and the paradoxical dignity granted to humanity. David marvels at the heavens and the universe, asking, "What is man that you are mindful of him?" He notes that despite human smallness, God has made us "a little lower than the heavenly beings" and crowned us with glory and honour, granting us dominion over all the work of His hands: sheep, oxen, birds, and sea creatures. The psalm begins and ends with the soaring declaration: "O LORD our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"
O LORD our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have ordained strength because of your enemies, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have ordained;
what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him?
For you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings, and have crowned him with glory and honour.
You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet:
all sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field;
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
O LORD our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!