Psalms 8:1

PSALM 8 The same title is prefixed to Psalms 81:1, Psalms 84:1. Gittith also is supposed to be the name of a tune, or song, or instrument so called, because it was either invented or much used in Gath. Some render it for the wine-presses and say it was to be sung at the time of vintage. It is a great question among interpreters, whether this Psalm speak of man in general, and of the honour which God put upon him in his creation; or only of the man Christ Jesus. Possibly both may be reconciled and put together, and the controversy, if rightly stated, may be ended. For the scope and business of this Psalm seems plainly to be this, to display and celebrate the great love and kindness of God to mankind, not only in his creation, but also and especially in his redemption by Jesus Christ; whom, as he was man, he advanced to the honour and dominion here mentioned, that he might carry on that great and glorious work. So Christ is the principal subject of this Psalm, of whom it is interpreted, both by Christ himself, Matthew 21:16, and by his holy apostle, 1 Corinthians 15:27 Hebrews 2:6,7. David extolleth the majesty, power, and providence of God in the world, Psalms 8:1; and his love and kindness to mankind, Psalms 8:4,5, in giving him power over the earth, Psalms 8:6,7, the air, and the sea, Psalms 8:8,9. Thy name, i.e. thy fame or glory, as it is explained in the next clause, and as the name commonly signifies, as Genesis 6:4 Ecclesiastes 7:1 Philippians 2:9. And this glory of God is most eminent in the gospel and the work of redemption. In all the earth; not only in Israel, to which the name and knowledge of God was confined, Psalms 76:1 2 147:19, but among all nations; which shows that this Psalm speaks of the Messias, and the times of the New Testament. See Isaiah 40:5 Zechariah 1:5, &c. Who hast set thy glory above the heavens. What do I speak of the earth ? thy glory or praise reacheth to the heavens, and indeed above all the visible heavens, even to the heaven of heavens; where thy throne of glory is established, where the blessed angels celebrate thy praises, where Christ sitteth at thy right hand in glorious majesty, from whence he poureth down excellent gifts upon babes, &c., as it followeth.