Psalm 8 (NRSV)
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Verse 1O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
Verse 2Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger.
Verse 3When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established;
Verse 4what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
Verse 5Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor.
Verse 6You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet,
Verse 7all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
Verse 8the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
Verse 9O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Devotion
Some Christians in India greet each other with the words, "Praise the Lord." David is praising God in this Psalm that reminds us of Genesis 1. In fact, some people call Psalm 8 'Genesis 1 set to music.' Indeed, this is a Psalm that celebrates God's glory and majesty: David begins and ends this Psalm by proclaiming the majestic name of our Lord throughout the earth. Within these identical verses are set the recognition of who is this God of glory and also who is human being.
The double contrasts -- of God and heavens, and heavens and humans -- further underscores David's deep understanding of the overwhelming majestic name of the Lord. Yet, at the same time, God is mindful of human beings. In fact, God exalts human beings by granting them a privileged place in His creation. David is full of gratitude and exalts God. We, too, feel this privilege as we are called the children of God, sheep of His pasture.
Prayer
Lord, we praise you for granting us the privilege of being your sons and daughters. Help us exalt you in all we do and say today. In Christ's name, Amen.