Introduction: “According to Gittith” could be a reference to an instrument from (a Philistine city), or a style of song that originated there (possibly also from the Levitical city Gath Rimmon). May also be associated with the wine harvest. In any case, the three (8,81,84) that bear this heading are festive (or ‘upbeat’) as far as content goes.

Prophecy? This psalm is quoted several times in the . The Holy Spirit declares it (particularly verses 5+6) fulfilled in Christ. The question of debate is whether it is a direct prophecy (i.e. only fulfilled by Christ) or typical (i.e. it has an Old Testament figure in whom it is partially fulfilled). In referencing creation and the initial blessing of dominion which Adam and Eve possessed, the psalm could be viewed as typical. However, there is not yet any realized fulfillment (:6-9) of this restoration in anyone other than Christ. This does not change the fact that it’s a prophecy about Christ. It simply means that not every prophecy is readily categorized the same way by every commentator.

1 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Before the psalmist has all the fun, list different facets of creation and how they declare the majesty of our Lord.

You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

What gives a better testament to the majesty of God, the awe inspiring sights and sounds and beauty of the earth, the inexhaustible depths of the wonder of space with its stars, planets, and galaxies, or the voice of a little child sing bedtime songs and prayers?

Where is this verse quoted in the New Testament and who is silenced by the children? “Enemies” could also (and perhaps better) be translated adversaries. The name ‘satan’ means adversary. How is there comfort in knowing that this foe can be silenced by the voice of a child? (Hint: it is not because it shows us that Satan is no great threat)

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

In reading Genesis 1&2, one may be tempted to think that God really only got particular about the creation of man. What in this verse puts the lie to any such notion?

4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

Why does the psalmist feel so insignificant?

How do these verses point us to the grace of God?

5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

How does the our world’s (e)valuation of man differ from that of the psalmist?

Look up Hebrews 1:10; Hebrews 2:6-9; and 1 Corinthians 15:27. How do verses 5 and 6 find their fulfillment in Christ? If you were to understand this as a typical prophecy (see introductory note) how do the same verses apply to man? Fun fact: In the Hebrew there are 72 words in Psalm 8. “Son of Man” stands directly in the middle with 35 before and 35 after, marking this as the focus of the entire psalm.

What part of the dominion originally given to man that is restored in Christ is most incredible to you?

9 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Conclusion: The beautiful truths and prophecy of Psalm 8 have this phrase as their bookends. From the creation itself, to mankind’s dominion over that creation, and the Son of Man who restores that dominion lost, truly, the facts considered here leave us with only one conclusion: How majestic is the Lord’s name in all the earth!