Homilist Psalm 8:1-9 O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! who have set your glory above the heavens.… I. AS FILLING THE UNIVERSE WITH HIS GLORY: — 1. His excellence fills the earth — in its natural constitution, in its human history, and in its redemptive economy. 2. His excellency is above the heavens. How high are the heavens! II. AS HONOURING THE FEEBLEST INSTRUMENTALITY. He does not depend, like human sovereigns, on the great and mighty. History abounds with examples of God accomplishing great ends by feeble means — such as, the exodus of the Jews by Moses, the redemption of the world by Christ, the propagation of the gospel by feeble men. This truth serves to cheek an unholy humility, and also an unholy pride. III. AS CREATING THE WONDERS OF THE STELLAR HEAVENS. Here is a figurative mode of representing the skill and delicacy of the work — "the work of Thy fingers. How does the study of the heavens impress man with the glory of God! IV. AS REGARDING MANKIND WITH HIS SPECIAL FAVOUR. The Psalmist seems to be impressed with God's infinite goodness to man in three respects. 1. In the greatness of the attention He pays him. 2. In the greatness of the nature He has given him. 3. In the greatness of the authority He entrusts to him. This Psalm reminds us of our heavenly origin, wonderful natures, and sublime destinies. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: {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. |
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