Sæktu forritið30 Days in the PsalmsSýnishorn
Day #3: Psalm 8
As we have seen, Psalms 1 and 2 serve as an introduction to the whole book. They establish important themes and foundational truth claims that will ground the prayers of the people of God. They talk about God. However, beginning with Psalm 3, the words of most psalms are in the second person; that is, they speak directly to God in prayer.
The opening lines of Psalm 8immediately transport us back to the theme of Psalm 2, with their emphasis on God’s majestic rule over all the earth. As he speaks to the Lord, the psalmist extends that view to include the whole universe: “Your glory is higher than the heavens” (NLT). “The heavens and the earth” is an Old Testament phrase that refers to “everything that exists,” encompassing the entirety of creation. Verse 2 notes that built into creation is an innate awareness of the Creator’s glory, so that even the cries of babies and the babbling of toddlers reflect his powerful presence. Their instinctive yet inarticulate sounds of praise are enough to silence the foolish roars of those who oppose the Lord (like the arrogant kings and rulers in Psalm 2).
The rest of Psalm 8 is an awestruck prayer of wonder, as the psalmist contemplates the astonishing fact that the great King of all creation pays attention to and cares about human beings. The poet views himself and all other humans as tiny and insignificant in comparison to the glory of the heavens and the vastness of the universe. Yet, in God’s perspective, humanity is “crowned with glory and honor” (vv. 3–5). Still, speaking directly to God in prayer, the writer recalls the dignity and purpose bestowed upon human beings in creation: “You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority” (vv. 6–8, a reference back to Genesis 1). Breathless with wonder at the privilege of being God’s commissioned representatives in creation, the psalmist bursts out on behalf of the whole people: “Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth!” (v. 9).
Today is a great day to tell God how magnificent and marvelous he is!
Ritningin
About this Plan
Most of Scripture is God’s Word to human beings, but the Book of Psalms records human speech to God. These prayers and songs demonstrate the determination of people of faith to remain connected to God, regardless of their circumstances. Confession, lament, pleading, thanksgiving, praise—all the elements of our communication with God are present. The 150 Psalms in the collection are divided into 5 “books.” During these 30 days, we’ll pray through 6 psalms from each book. Some will be very familiar, others perhaps less so; all will direct our gaze to the God who loves us.
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