PSALM 8:
"Though the bulk of the psalm describes man and his dominion over the universe, the first and last verses make clear to the reader that the psalm was written primarily to exalt the Creator. “A little lower than the angels” (verse 5), is literally “a little lower than God” (Hebrew [Elohim], the normal generic word for God). The Septuagint translated the word as “angels”, however, and this translation is quoted (in Hebrews 2:6-8). The word may be taken in loose sense, "divine beings”, in which case it could refer to both God and the angels. Three interpretations of man’s position are described (in verses 5-8):
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
vs.3
"Though the bulk of the psalm describes man and his dominion over the universe, the first and last verses make clear to the reader that the psalm was written primarily to exalt the Creator. “A little lower than the angels” (verse 5), is literally “a little lower than God” (Hebrew [Elohim], the normal generic word for God). The Septuagint translated the word as “angels”, however, and this translation is quoted (in Hebrews 2:6-8). The word may be taken in loose sense, "divine beings”, in which case it could refer to both God and the angels. Three interpretations of man’s position are described (in verses 5-8):
(1) It refers only to man’s original condition (Gen. 1:26-28);
(2) It refers to man’s present, actual position, though ruined somewhat by the Fall;
(3) It points to man redeemed and restored in the future to his exalted position.
The second view is preferred since the psalmist seems to be observing life as it is in the present: “When I consider” (verse 3).
“Verses 1-9: The theme of Psalm 8 (“how excellent”), blazes across this Psalm from start to finish (8:1, 9).
Structurally, Psalm 8’s beginning and concluding bursts of praise are driven by David’s
contemplation of two pairs of radical contrasts.
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! vs.1
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, vs.2
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, vs.3
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! vs.9
Unable to express the glory of God, the Psalmist utters a note of exclamation. O Jehovah our Lord! We need not wonder at this, for no heart can measure, no tongue can utter, the half of the greatness of Jehovah.
The countless myriads of terrestrial beings, from man the head, to the creeping worm at the foot, are all supported and nourished by the Divine bounty. The solid fabric of the universe leans upon his eternal arm."
BooksOfTheBible/CharlesSpurgeon
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,
and hast crowned him with glory and honor.
vs.5
(1) Introductory Praise (8:1);
(2) Two Pairs of Radical Contrasts (8:2-8);
A. Between the Nature of “infants” and infidels (8:2);
B. Between Unaided General Revelation and Unveiled Special Revelation (8:3-8);
(3) Concluding Praise (8:9).
Psalm 8: Another instrument is referenced in this title, most probably a guitar-like harp associated with Gath in Philistia.
A survey of the solar system has a tendency to moderate the pride of man and to promote humility. Pride is one of the distinguishing characteristics of puny man.
