3, 4. The allusion to the magnificence of the visible heavens is introduced for the purpose of illustrating God's condescension, who, though the mighty Creator of these glorious worlds of light, makes man the object of regard and recipient of favor. read more
4. man—literally, "frail man," an allusion to his essential infirmity. son of man—only varies the form of speech. visitest—in favor ( :-). This favor is now more fully illustrated. read more
Psalms 8In this psalm of creation praise (cf. Psalms 33, 104, 145) David marveled at the fact that God had committed the dominion of the earth to man, and he reflected on the dignity of man. Other commonly recognized psalms of praise are 19, 29, 33, 47, 65-66, 68, 93, 96-100, 104-106, 111, 113-114, 117, 134-136, and 145-150. Some students of this psalm have called it a nature psalm, and some see it as messianic. The poet commented on Genesis 1:26-28 by clarifying the importance and role of... read more
In view of the insignificance of mankind compared with the rest of creation, especially the heavenly bodies, David marveled that God would even think about human beings (cf. Psalms 144:3-4; Job 7:17; Job 25:4-6)."The Creator has established two spheres of rule: heaven and earth. He has established the celestial bodies in the firmament and has given them the rule over day and night (Genesis 1:17-18), whereas he appointed man to govern the earth (Genesis 1:28)." [Note: VanGemeren, p. 112.] The... read more
2. Man’s place in God’s creation 8:3-8In view of God’s greatness and man’s relative lowliness, it was marvelous to the psalmist that God would entrust His creation to humankind. read more
This Ps. is a poem of wondering praise, called forth by the thought of the supremacy and honour that God has given to man, who in himself holds such an insignificant place in the universe. The glory of the heavens and the variety of the works of nature combine to emphasise the marvel of this choice. The Ps. is based upon the story of creation (Genesis 1:26-28), and sets forth the ideal dignity of man. Psalms 8:6 is applied in 1 Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians 1:22 to the exaltation of Christ, in... read more
(3) When I consider.—Literally, see, scan.Ordained.—Or, as in margin, founded—i.e., created, formed; but the English word aptly introduces the idea of order in the kosmos. Comp.:—“Know the cause why music was ordained?—SHAKESPEARE.In our humid climate we can hardly imagine the brilliance of an Eastern night. “There,” writes one of a night in Palestine, “it seems so, bearing down upon our heads with power are the steadfast splendours of that midnight sky;” but, on the other hand, the fuller... read more
(4) Man . . . son of man . . .—The first, possibly, with suggestion of frailty; the second to his life derived from human ancestry. The answer to this question must always touch the two poles, of human frailty on the one hand, and the glory of human destiny on the other. “O the grandeur and the littleness, the excellence and the corruption, the majesty and the meanness, of man.”—Pascal.The insignificance of man compared to the stars is a common theme of poetry; but how different the feeling of... read more
Considering Psalms 8:3 'When I consider' I become a new man, much larger, nobler, saintlier. What does consider mean? It is two words, it is two Latin words; it is con or cum , with, together sider what is there in the word sider ? Nothing. Take care! Sider comes a long way up the track of language; it was born sidus . That is what you say when you write your married name; under it you put née, born another name, your father's name, which you have relinquished in favour of another name.... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 8:4
Psalms 8:4. What is man—and the son of man?— Bishop Patrick, in his preface to the Paraphrase on the Psalms, has made a remark which we here subjoin, as it gives light to this, and several other passages of Scripture: "The son of man, and the sons of men, (says he,) are phrases which often occur, and which in Scripture-language seem to belong to princes, and sometimes the greatest of princes; see Psa 80:17 where it signifies Hezekiah; Psa 146:2 where it signifies any prince, however great in... read more