Psalms 8

David most highly extolleth the Majesty, almighty power, and wonderful providence of God in governing the world; especially his incomprehensible grace and kindness unto wretched mankind in the Messiah JESUS CHRIST.

1. A Psalm of David, for the chief Song-master [See above Psalm 4.on verse 1.] upon the Gitthite. [This some do hold for a certain tune, or air; or for an instrument of Musick; accommodated for the singing and playing of Psalms, used and practised by the posterity (as some conceive) of Obed-Edom, that was a Levite and a Singer, called the Gitthites, 2 Sam.6.10. the Hebrew word Gath (whence Gitthite seemeth to be derived) is the name of famous City of the Philistines (where some do guess this instrument was first invented) and doth likewise signify a Wine-press, or oil-press; which together with the contents or argument of this Psalm, doth make some conjecture, that this Psalm was made of Purpose to be sung as a Psalm of praise and thanksgiving in the Vintage-time.]

2. O LORD, our Lord, how glorious [Or, illustrious, high and mighty, excellent, puissant, famous and renowned. So Isaiah 33:21. Jerem.30.21. the Hebrew word is likewise ascribed to the Great ones of the Faith, Jud.5.13.25. Neh.3.5. Jer.14.3. and 25.33,34. And to the Godly, Psalms 16:3. yea to the roaring waters of the Red sea, Exodus 15:10. signifying always a singular excellency] is thy Name [i.e. thy self, by the fame and renown of thy power, wisdom and goodness, which sheweth forth it self in all thy works and operations] upon the whole earth! That hast placed thy Majesty above the heavens. [i.e. whose Majesty is incomprehensible and infinite. Compare 1 Kings 8:27. or, which doest most gloriously manifest thy Majesty above all visible heavens. Comp. Ephes.4.10.]

3. Out of the mouth of little children, [Understand such littles ones, as do already begin to make use of, or improve their speech and understanding, running and playing in the streets; Compare Jer.6.11. and 9.21. Lam.1.5. Mat.21.16. Although the Hebrew word be used otherwise sometimes. See Job 3:16.] and of sucklings, [on and about whom God sheweth forth his wonderful power, goodness, and providence, that they are a very strong and ungainsayable argument and testimony thereof. What use our Saviour made of these words, see Matth.21.16.] hast thou established [i.e. firmly ordained, decreed, determined, and accomplished. Compare Esther 1:8. and Psalms 11:3.] strength, [Oth. strong, or powerful paise, i.e. the praise of thy power, or strength. So Psalms 29:1. and 96.7. and 118.14. Compare Matth.21,18.] because of thine adversaries; [i.e. to shame and confound the deniers, and despisers of thy divine Government and providence] to make the Enemy and revengeful [Heb. him that revengeth himself] to cease. [i.e. to subdue and curb him, and to make him desist from his blasphemous and atheistical purpose and practices.]

4. When I behold thy heaven; [Oth. for I behold, etc.] the work of thy fingers, [i.e. which through thy wonderful wisdom thou hast wrought and framed so compleary. A comparison taken from such, as make very artificial things with their fingers, as Tapistry-Workers, Embroiderers, and the like] the moon, and the stars, which thou hast prepared. [Understand hereupon, then do I think by myself, or exclaim thus as followeth.]

5. What is man, [Or, frail, miserable, wretched man. The Hebrew word Enosh, is derived from a word that signifieth to be very weak, yea sick and feeble unto death. See Job 5.on v.17.] that thou remembrest him, and the son of man [or, Adams child. See 1 Kings 8.on verse 39.] that thou doest visit him? [By this remembering, and visiting of God, there is principally understood the whole work of grace shewed unto fallen mankind in the Messia, our LORD Christ; whereunto belongeth also that which followeth. Compare further Gen.8.on verse 1. And 21.on verse 1.]

6. And hast made him a little less, [i.e. not much, a small degree, or but for a short time. See Psalm 2.on verse 12.] then the Angels, [Heb. Elohim, which here doth signify Angels, see Heb.2.9, and how these words are in particular applied by the Apostle unto Christ.] and hast crowned him with honour and glory?

7. Thou makest him to have Dominion over the works of thine hands; thou hast put all under his feet: [This is declared further in the sequel.]

8. Sheep [i.e. small Cattle. See Gen.12.on verse 16.] and oxen, [i.e. great Cattle] all of them; and withal the beasts of the Field, [understand the wild and savage ones. See of the Hebrew word Gen.1.on ver.26. and 6.on verse 7.]

9. The birds [Or Bird kind. See of the Hebrew word Tsipper, Levit.14.on verse 4.] of heaven, [i.e. of the air: as frequently elsewhere.] and the fishes of the Sea; that which walketh through the paths of the Seas. [i.e. all manner of gatherings and confluences of waters. See Gen.1.on verse 10.]

10. O LORD, our Lord, how glorious [As above ver.2.] is thy Name upon the whole earth!