The
writer of psalm 8, by acclaiming God's earthly preeminence and the
excellence of his name, ushers us into the presence of the One who clothes the heavens with his glory. Down the ages, as insinuated in this psalm, not only does the consciousness of God stir the human heart and
mind, the reality of his very essence stares us in the face. Some may deny this. However, it is as if the psalmist wants to point to the futility and emptiness usually engendered by a denial of God.
What on our planet, the writer seems to ask, does not speak of the creative genius and excellence of the Lord? One only needs to look at the myriad of creatures that roam our waters with joyous abandon. Likewise, the countless number of diverse creatures that inhabit the endless expanse of earthland fill us with awe and amazement. The same goes for the winged wonders that go from one end of the firmament to the other, following flightpaths that are difficult for us humans to understand. Surely, the variety and beauty in Creation blow the human mind.
Ordaining strength, as God does, out of the mouths of babes, is an eloquent reference to the
writings and sayings inspired by God himself. Though such pronouncements or writings emanated from mere mortals but because they had been breathed upon by God, they are capable, if correctly deployed, of accomplishing exploits and putting to flight powers that even predated the existence of man.
Finally, the writer seems to wonder why,
despite his weaknesses and inadequacies, God has refused to give up on man. From the ordeal of our first parents in the garden of Eden when, despite their disobedience, God gave them hope
concerning the seed of the woman to the time of the flood when only a remnant, Noah and his family, were saved and right through to the time of the patriarch Abraham through whom God promised to bless the whole of
mankind, God's patience with mankind has been unbelievable.
The psalmist finds the answer in God's faithfulness. The almighty is not about to change his mind concerning his original plan of making man to rule over the works of his hand.
More reviews about the Psalms