This is a great song of worship. It opens and closes with "how excellent is thy name". These words enclose the psalm, and create its burden. The matters between are proofs of the opening and closing statements. They are two. The manifestation of The LORD's excellencies in nature and man. These are first briefly stated (1,2), and then more particularly described (3-8). The principal manifestation is in man, which is revealed in both sections. The outlook on nature is toward the encompassing heaven, The LORD has set His glory there.
These two facts are then more particularly considered. The first impression suggests the littleness of man. In the presence of the glorious heaven man seems beneath consideration. Yet it is not so. Man is greater than all. He is but little lower than the angels. His place is that of dominion. The contemplation of the heaven leads to the consideration of man. This creates in man, first, a wonder at The LORD's consideration of him. This consideration issues in investigation, and man is found nearer to God than the heavens. The issue is worship. It is the true order of creation. Through man's sin it has been lost. Through Jesus it is being restored.
To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
Psalms 8:2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
Psalms 8:3
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
Psalms 8:4
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalms 8:5
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Psalms 8:6
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
Psalms 8:7
All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
Psalms 8:8
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
Psalms 8:9
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
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