Psalm 8:6
You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet:
You made him ruler
This phrase highlights the divine intention and authority bestowed upon humanity. The Hebrew root for "ruler" is "mashal," which implies dominion and governance. In the context of creation, this reflects God's original design for mankind to exercise stewardship over the earth. This echoes Genesis 1:26-28, where God grants humans dominion over all living things. Historically, this concept of rulership is not about tyranny but about responsible management and care, reflecting God's own character as a just and loving ruler.

over the works of Your hands
The "works of Your hands" refers to all of creation, emphasizing the craftsmanship and intentionality of God as the Creator. The Hebrew word for "works" is "ma'aseh," which denotes deeds or accomplishments. This phrase underscores the vastness and intricacy of God's creation, from the smallest atom to the grandest galaxy. It is a reminder of the privilege and responsibility humanity has been given to oversee and care for the earth, as stewards of God's handiwork.

You have placed everything under his feet
This phrase signifies authority and subjugation, with "under his feet" being a common biblical metaphor for complete control or dominion. The Hebrew word "tachat" means "under" or "beneath," indicating a position of submission. This imagery is powerful, suggesting that humanity is meant to have a comprehensive role in managing creation. In a broader scriptural context, this foreshadows the ultimate authority of Christ, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 15:27, where all things are placed under His feet, signifying His supreme authority over all creation. This dual application highlights both the immediate role of humanity and the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of Psalm 8, traditionally believed to be King David, who reflects on the majesty of God and the place of humanity within creation.

2. God
The Creator who has given humanity dominion over His creation, as expressed in this Psalm.

3. Humanity
The subject of God's bestowed honor and responsibility, given dominion over the works of God's hands.

4. Creation
The works of God's hands, which include the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures, over which humanity is given authority.

5. Jesus Christ
In the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of this dominion, as He is the one who has all things under His feet.
Teaching Points
Human Responsibility and Stewardship
God has entrusted humanity with the care and management of His creation. This calls for responsible stewardship and care for the environment and all living creatures.

The Dignity of Humanity
Despite our smallness in the vast universe, God has given us a place of honor and responsibility. This should inspire humility and gratitude.

Christ's Ultimate Authority
While humanity has a role in dominion, Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of this authority. Believers are called to submit to His lordship and participate in His redemptive work.

Reflecting God's Glory
As rulers over creation, humans are to reflect God's glory and character in how they exercise authority and care for the world.

Living in Light of God's Purpose
Understanding our role in God's creation should influence how we live daily, making choices that align with His purposes and plans.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of dominion in Psalm 8:6 relate to the creation mandate in Genesis 1:26-28?

2. In what ways can we practice responsible stewardship of the environment in our daily lives?

3. How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of Psalm 8:6 impact our view of His authority in our lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can reflect God's glory in our roles and responsibilities?

5. How can recognizing our God-given dignity and purpose influence our interactions with others and the world around us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1:26-28
This passage describes God's original mandate to humanity to have dominion over the earth, echoing the themes of Psalm 8:6.

Hebrews 2:6-9
This New Testament passage quotes Psalm 8 and applies it to Jesus, showing how He fulfills the role of having all things under His feet.

1 Corinthians 15:27
Paul references the concept of all things being under Christ's feet, connecting to the dominion theme in Psalm 8:6.

Ephesians 1:22
This verse speaks of God placing all things under Christ's feet, reinforcing the fulfillment of Psalm 8:6 in Jesus.
Man's DominionJoseph Parker, D. D.Psalm 8:6
The General DeliveranceJohn Wesley Psalm 8:6
David's Poetical SensitivenessHenry Housman.Psalm 8:1-9
God the Glorious CreatorW. Forsyth Psalm 8:1-9
God's Glory RevealedC. Short Psalm 8:1-9
Good Reasons for Praising GodHomilistPsalm 8:1-9
Lord What is Man?C. Clemance Psalm 8:1-9
Religious Affections in Their Objective GroundL. O. Thompson.Psalm 8:1-9
The Excellence of the Divine Name and Nature UniversalPsalm 8:1-9
The Excellency of the Divine NameJ. Addison Alexander, D. D.Psalm 8:1-9
The Excellent NameT. H. Barnett.Psalm 8:1-9
The Glory of God in His WorksThomas Wilcocks.Psalm 8:1-9
The Supremely Excellent NameF. B. Meyer, B. A.Psalm 8:1-9
Cruelty to AnimalsJ. R. Macduff, D. D.Psalm 8:6-8
The Supreme Rule of ChristE. R. Conder, D. D.Psalm 8:6-8
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Cause, Dominion, Hands, Hast, Madest, Makest, Placed, Rule, Ruler, Works
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 8:6

     5151   feet
     5477   property, land
     9125   footstool

Psalm 8:1-9

     4007   creation, and God
     5700   headship
     8662   meditation

Psalm 8:3-6

     6710   privileges

Psalm 8:3-8

     1325   God, the Creator
     5002   human race, and creation
     5023   image of God
     5441   philosophy
     5974   value

Psalm 8:4-6

     2221   Christ, Son of Man
     6730   reinstatement

Psalm 8:4-8

     1194   glory, divine and human
     5081   Adam, life of

Psalm 8:5-8

     4060   nature

Psalm 8:6-8

     4017   life, animal and plant
     4604   animals, nature of
     5053   responsibility, for world
     5698   guardian
     8472   respect, for environment

Library
The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob,
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

The General Deliverance
"The earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him that subjected it: Yet in hope that the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth, and travaileth in pain together until now." Rom. 8:19-22. 1. Nothing is more sure, than that as "the Lord is loving to every
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

What is Man?
"When I consider thy heaven, the work of thy fingers, the moon and stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man?" Psalm 8:3, 4. How often has it been observed, that the Book of Psalms is a rich treasury of devotion, which the wisdom of God has provided to supply the wants of his children in all generations! In all ages the Psalms have been of singular use to those that loved or feared God; not only to the pious Israelites, but to the children of God in all nations. And this book has been of sovereign
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

That Man Hath no Good in Himself, and Nothing Whereof to Glory
Lord, what is man that Thou art mindful of him, or the son of man that Thou visitest him?(1) What hath man deserved, that Thou shouldest bestow thy favour upon him? Lord, what cause can I have of complaint, if Thou forsake me? Or what can I justly allege, if Thou refuse to hear my petition? Of a truth, this I may truly think and say, Lord, I am nothing, I have nothing that is good of myself, but I fall short in all things, and ever tend unto nothing. And unless I am helped by Thee and inwardly
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Christ the Redeemer
Q-xxx: HOW DOES THE SPIRIT APPLY TO US THE REDEMPTION PURCHASED BY CHRIST? A: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling. In this answer there are two things. It is implied that Christ is the glorious purchaser of our redemption, in the words, The redemption purchased by Christ,' and it is declared that the Spirit applies to us this purchased redemption, by working in us faith, &c. The thing implied
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Since the Case is So, what is Man...
19. Since the case is so, what is man, while in this life he uses his own proper will, ere he choose and love God, but unrighteous and ungodly? "What," I say, "is man," a creature going astray from the Creator, unless his Creator "be mindful of him," [2683] and choose [2684] him freely, and love [2685] him freely? Because he is himself not able to choose or love, unless being first chosen and loved he be healed, because by choosing blindness he perceiveth not, and by loving laziness is soon wearied.
St. Augustine—On Patience

Various Experiences in Gospel Work
Soon after I discerned the one body, my brother and I visited St. James, Mo. We had labored there but a short time when Brother Warner and his company came to the town to hold a camp-meeting. When I was first introduced to Brother Warner, he made the remark, "And so you are the sister that wanted to stay in Babylon in order to get wolves to take care of Iambs?" and then broke into a hearty laugh. He referred to my remark that I was going to continue to work with the sects, so that whenever a congregation
Mary Cole—Trials and Triumphs of Faith

The Shepherd-King
'And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt them mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel! fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided Me a king among his sons. 2. And Samuel said, How can I go? If Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. 3. And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Purpose in the Coming of Jesus.
God Spelling Himself out in Jesus: change in the original language--bother in spelling Jesus out--sticklers for the old forms--Jesus' new spelling of old words. Jesus is God following us up: God heart-broken--man's native air--bad choice affected man's will--the wrong lane--God following us up. The Early Eden Picture, Genesis 1:26-31. 2:7-25: unfallen man--like God--the breath of God in man--a spirit, infinite, eternal--love--holy--wise--sovereign over creation, Psalm 8:5-8--in his own will--summary--God's
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

The Kingdom Undivided
THE POETICAL BOOKS: Psalms Page Song of Solomon Page Proverbs Page THE PSALMS I. The Collection and Divisions: In all probability the book of one hundred and fifty psalms, as it now stands, was compiled by Ezra about 450 B.C. They are divided into five books, each closing with a benediction, evidently added to mark the end of the book. Note the number of psalms in Books 1 and 2. II. The Purposes: 1. They were originally used as songs in the Jewish Temple Worship.
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

Christ and the Little Children
If, when Jesus was here on earth, he had shown a great interest in kings, and princes, in rich, and wise, and great men, it would not have been surprising; because he was a king and a prince, himself; he was richer than the richest, and wiser than the wisest, and greater than the greatest. But he did not do this. He took no particular notice of them; but he showed the greatest possible interest in children. When mothers brought their little ones to him, the disciples wanted to keep them away. They
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times,
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Christ Clothed with the True Substance of Human Nature.
1. Proof of the true humanity of Christ, against the Manichees and Marcionites. 2. Impious objections of heretics further discussed. Six objections answered. 3. Other eight objections answered. 4. Other three objections answered. 1. Of the divinity of Christ, which has elsewhere been established by clear and solid proofs, I presume it were superfluous again to treat. It remains, therefore, to see how, when clothed with our flesh, he fulfilled the office of Mediator. In ancient times, the reality
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Great Commission Given.
(Time and Place Same as Last Section.) ^A Matt. XXVIII. 18-20; ^B Mark XVI. 15-18; ^C Luke XXIV. 46, 47. ^a 18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. ^b 15 And he said unto them, Go ye ^a therefore, ^b into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. ^a and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual Government of the World.
1. The invisible and incomprehensible essence of God, to a certain extent, made visible in his works. 2. This declared by the first class of works--viz. the admirable motions of the heavens and the earth, the symmetry of the human body, and the connection of its parts; in short, the various objects which are presented to every eye. 3. This more especially manifested in the structure of the human body. 4. The shameful ingratitude of disregarding God, who, in such a variety of ways, is manifested within
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Creation
Q-7: WHAT ARE THE DECREES OF GOD? A: The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatsoever shall come to pass. I have already spoken something concerning the decrees of God under the attribute of his immutability. God is unchangeable in his essence, and he-is unchangeable in his decrees; his counsel shall stand. He decrees the issue of all things, and carries them on to their accomplishment by his providence; I
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Conclusion.
"From Heaven He came and sought her To be His Holy Bride, With His own Blood He bought her, And for her life He died." "The Kingdom of Heaven," what is it? It is the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ. It is that Kingdom which was prophetically set forth by our Lord in His parables; that Kingdom, the subjects of which were described in His teaching, and redeemed by His Blood to be His own "purchased possession" (Eph. i. 14); that Kingdom which was founded through the coming of the Holy
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

Triumph Over Death and the Grave
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin: and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. T he Christian soldier may with the greatest propriety, be said to war a good warfare (I Timothy 1:18) . He is engaged in a good cause. He fights under the eye of the Captain of his salvation. Though he be weak in himself, and though his enemies are many and mighty, he may do that which in other soldiers
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Jesus, My Rock.
When the storm and the tempest are raging around me, Oh! where shall I flee to be safe from their shock? There are walls which no mortal hands built to surround me, A Refuge Eternal,--'Tis JESUS MY ROCK! When my heart is all sorrow, and trials aggrieve me, To whom can I safely my secrets unlock? No bosom (save one) has the power to relieve me, The bosom which bled for me, JESUS MY ROCK! When Life's gloomy curtain, at last, shall close o'er me, And the chill hand of death unexpectedly knock, I will
John Ross Macduff—The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus

The Son and the Angels.
HEBREWS i. 4-ii. 18. The most dangerous and persistent error against which the theologians of the New Testament had to contend was the doctrine of emanations. The persistence of this error lay in its affinity with the Christian conception of mediation between God and men; its danger sprang from its complete inconsistency with the Christian idea of the person and work of the Mediator. For the Hebrew conception of God, as the "I AM," tended more and more in the lapse of ages to sever Him from all
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial;
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8.
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Fourth Commandment
Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it. Exod 20: 8-11. This
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

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