Psalm 8

J. Clinton McCann notes in the New Interpreter’s Bible commentary makes two interesting distinctions about Psalm 8. First that it is recognized as the first hymn/song of praise in the Psalter and secondly, that it was the first biblical text to reach the moon.[1] When the Apollo 11 space shuttle took off, it contained a silicon disc containing messages from different nations, and this included the Vatican, which shared the words from Psalm 8. Now, this is not merely a fun fact, but raises an interesting question as to why, above all other biblical texts, the Vatican felt Psalm 8 was the most appropriate? After a quick reading though, it makes abundant sense as Psalm 8 is a hymn of praise to God, extolling the sovereignty of God, using royal language to remind us that God has rulership over creation. In addition to this, though, it also makes an equally important claim, that humanity has been endowed with stewardship and called to care for and, as the text asserts, “rule” over God’s “handiwork” (v.6) as well. This is a short psalm, but it offers a wonderful praise of God’s goodness and God’s care for creation, while also laying a large responsibility on humanity to steward creation well. Therefore, let us briefly consider what this psalm is saying.

In v.1a and then again in v.9, we see a the refrain about the majesty of God’s name in the earth. The idea here is talking about the sovereignty of God throughout creation, and the use of “majestic” connotes a royal tone to the praise, therefore, setting the stage for the psalm as praise of God as ruler and sovereign. McCann states, “In short, the proclamation of Gods reign frames the psalm. the subsequent affirmation of humanity’s royal status and dominion must be understood with the context of God’s reign.”[2] Therefore, vv.1/9 lay the groundwork and foundation of the psalm, reminding the audience of the obvious, if oft-forgotten fact, that it is God who ultimately reigns and rules over creation.

vv.1b-2 can be understood two ways. The first is that vv.1b-2a are not isolated thoughts, but a continuation. Therefore, the idea here is that God’s reign and glory will be understood throughout the earth and beyond the heavens. Because of this, even the “babes and infants” recognize God’s sovereignty. However, the second way of reading this is by reading vv.1b-2 as ideas connected, but also assert separate end points. In this, v.2 is making the point that even the babes and infants are used by God as an opposition to enemies, asserting that God can even use the seemingly powerless, weak, and helpless. McCann makes the observation, “Understood this way, v.2 anticipates the assertion of vv.3-8 that God uses the weak and seemingly insignificant human creature as a partner in care for a creation that is constantly threatened by its enemy, chaos.”[3] Regardless of which interpretation you lean towards, the point remains that God’s reign is glorious and he invites humans, even the weak and helpless, to join in on the work of stewardship.

In vv.3-4 there is a shift in subject towards humanity. Although, this is never disconnected from the focus of the psalm, which continues to view God as the main focus. These two verses look to set the majesty of God, and the glory of God’s creation and handiwork against the identity of humanity, making the powerful observation that God, in spite of his vast sovereignty cares to take notice, know, and care for humanity. This leads McCann to state, “In short, the characters of God’s sovereignty cannot be understood apart from the knowledge that God does choose to be ‘mindful’ and to ‘care for’ humanity; the identity of humanity cannot be understood apart from this relationship with God.”[4]

In vv.5-8 we see that humanity has been endowed with a certain sense of royal status as well, that God has granted them power, and because of this, they have a sense of responsibility over creation; to care for God’s handiwork. The idea here being that humanity is given a calling and responsibility to rule and steward creation well, as emissaries of God. I love this idea that the McCann makes, “The phrase ‘the image of God’ does not occur in psalm 8, but the language and movement of psalm 8 suggest that humans represent God in the world. This, of course, has profound implications for understanding both God and humanity. God and humans are partners in the care of creation, because God has made the risky choice to share God’s power.”[5] This bears an important responsibility for us as image bearers of God, as God’s creation, and as stewards of creation. We are called to care God’s handiwork. We are called to embrace the same love and care that God shows us, and we are called to share that towards creation as well, including the earth beneath our feet, the creatures in the planet, and our neighbor near and far.

v.9, as we mentioned before, makes the same refrain as v.1, bringing the message of God’s sovereignty full circle, noting God’s rulership, majesty, and glory and the care God takes over creation. It is worth noting, then, that humanity’s effort and performance of dominion as image bearers, called to the work of stewardship, reflects on God, either positively/accurately or negatively. Therefore, we are reminded yet again, that the calling of stewardship and the image we bear is endowed with a powerful responsibility and opportunity that we would be wise not to squander.

Therefore, to conclude, Psalm 8 is a hymn of praise to a sovereign God who in spite of their glory and majesty still seeks to know humanity, and not only that, and is invitational, beckoning humanity to join in as stewards. I find it helpful to conclude with the reminder that our role, our dominion, and our stewardship is meant to reflect God’s; meaning we are called to care for and love creation, to serve and have compassion for creation. If we forget our role as image bearers, or worse yet, we forget the image of God in others, or forget the care God has for his creation, we may find that our rule and stewardship veers from dominion to domination. Therefore, Psalm 8 is an observation and praise of God’s glory and sovereignty, and an invitation to us to steward what God has created.

Works Cited: 

McCann, J. Clinton. “The Book of Psalms.” Essay. In The New Interpreter’s Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes , IV:641–1280. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1996.

[1] J. Clinton McCann, “The Book of Psalms,” essay, in The New Interpreter’s Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes , vol. IV (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1996), 641–1280, 710-711.

[2] Ibid. 711.

[3] McCann, 711.

[4] Ibid. 711.

[5] Ibid. 712.