Psalm 8
In this Psalm, the author poetically addresses and reflects on one of the most key Biblical motifs throughout the Scriptures: God’s invitation for humanity to live in the Kingdom of God and partner with him to bring this Kingdom to Earth. Let’s unpack what the Psalmist has to say about this motif.
To begin, we see the Psalmist use what’s called an inclusio. This is a poetic device where the author uses the same line to begin and end the poem. It is meant to communicate to the reader or listener the main point of the poem, which in this case is the power and majesty of Yahweh, the Lord. The author is floored by the splendor of God’s character and creative power.
Though God is the most powerful being in existence, he has chosen to partner with the weak and powerless to bring about flourishing here on Earth. The poet compares the people God receives praise from to infants and babies, and claims that it is through these humble people that God defeats evil and creates a “stronghold” (think of a strong place or refuge). Out of all of the wonder and beauty that God has created, he remains “mindful” of humanity, and invites us to partner with him to bring about flourishing in the world. As people made in God’s image, we are “crowned with glory and honor.” Each of us is special to God and we are all able to reflect his goodness and beauty to the world around us.
Jesus actually quotes this psalm in Matthew 21, when he rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. The context of this quotation helps illuminate more of the significance of this psalm and how it fits into the Biblical story as a whole.
The religious leaders are frustrated with Jesus because he claimed the temple was his “house” and had cleared the temple courts of people selling sacrifices. The reason this was so infuriating for Jesus was because people were taking advantage of the poor by forcing them to buy new sacrificial offerings at the temple courts. They were mistreating a sacred space and the people God loved. After sending the money changers away, Jesus began healing people considered to be societal outcasts in the temple instead. The religious leaders tried to push back against Jesus’ actions but Jesus responded by saying, “have you never read, ‘Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?”
Jesus had just entered Jerusalem not as a violent warrior on a horse, but as a humble servant on a donkey. Then, he stood up for God’s heart of love for the lowly, sick, and oppressed in the temple courts. God is not glorified by self-seeking people who strive for power at the cost of others, but rather receives praise from those who are humble. Jesus came to welcome all people to join him in building the Kingdom of heaven here on earth through humility and service. Just as Psalm 8 reminds us of the calling God has given us to rule over the works of God’s hands, Jesus invites us to use what God has given us to bring heaven to earth through love.
This Psalm begs us to reflect on who we are as God’s creation, crowned with glory and honor:
Take some time to worship God for his beauty, creativity, and majesty.
Reflect on your identity as God’s representative here on Earth. What does that communicate about His love for you and the relationship he desires for you?
Is there something God might be calling you to do that reflects His character to the world around you? This could be something as small as an encouraging conversation. Ask the Spirit if there is a way for you to show God’s love today.
