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The Psalmist sees the Presence of the Divine everywhere, even in the majesty and beauty of the human person, whom he esteems very close in nature to God:
1 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
*Psalm 8, NLT
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The Psalmist sees and celebrates Divine Presence everywhere. He sees it in all the earth. He sings of it in all the sky. He acknowledges it in every person and every creature. He sees it in every child and every adult.
So enthused is this seeing, this insight, that the Psalm begins with exultant praise. The Psalmist exclaims that the entire context of his seeing and knowing is "O Lord, our Lord."
Notice the beginning address "O Lord, our Lord" and the use of it in concluding the hymn. This address serves as an envelope for the content of the song, and gives shape to it.
The address shows that the relationship between God and the Psalmist is a wellspring of inspiration for his seeing. The relationship is the envelope and context for his life. Intimacy with God shapes his seeing of all persons, all creatures, earth, and universe.
Continued... |
