|
The Psalms 17
Introduction: 1. Psalm 8 is a beautiful uplifting section of Scripture that deserves our careful attention. 2. The title states: "To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David." a. The part of this title that relates to the composer is very clear. 1) David is identified as the writer. 2) If this information is accurate, the date for this psalm would be about 1000 BC. b. The meaning of the other part of the title is not as clear. 1) Two other psalms (81, 84) have the same expression in their titles. 2) While this information is not definite, a marginal note suggests that these may have been "marching songs" [similar to "Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!"]. 3. The first observation to make from this psalm is that . . . Discussion: I. GOD'S NAME IS EXCELLENT! A. Psalm 8 begins (vs.1a) and concludes (vs.9) with: "O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" B. According to Psalm 19:1, we can know God exists because "the heavens declare the glory of God;" however, Psalm 8:1 says that God has set His glory "above the heavens." C. Since this is the case, we cannot see God's glory with our eyes to know how excellent His name is. D. The remainder of this psalm shows that . . . II. GOD HAS DONE THREE THINGS THAT SHOW WHY HIS NAME IS EXCELLENT A. (vs.2) God has ordained strength "out of the mouth of babes and sucklings." 1. Children are very special to God (Psalm 127:3). 2. God has given children a special blessing -- He has ordained strength out of their mouths. 3. God has done this for a reason -- to "still the enemy and the avenger." 4. An event recorded in Matthew 21:12-16 helps us understand what this means. a. The children recognized Jesus as "the Son of David," and they praised Him. b. The Lord's enemies did not appreciate what the children said. c. Jesus quoted Psalm 8:2 and silenced his enemies. 5. God blesses children with certain qualities that must be nurtured and developed (Ephesians 6:4). 6. By blessing children as He does, God shows why His name is excellent. B. (vs.3-5) God has shown how much He cares for man. 1. (vs.3-4) As we observe the objects God has created, we realize how small we are, and we may ask why God has been so mindful of man. 2. God "visits" us by providing our needs (James 1:17; Ephesians 1:3). 3. We learn from vs.5 why God cares and provides for man. 4. These verses are also quoted in Hebrews 2:5-9 to show how Jesus is much greater than the angels. 5. By blessing and providing for man as He does, God shows why His name is excellent. C. (vs.6-8) God has given man an exalted position. 1. The animals listed in vs.7-8 were created on the 5th and 6th days (Genesis 1:20-25). 2. When God made man on the 6th day, He gave him dominion over all the animals (Genesis 1:26-28). 3. This includes "whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas" (vs.8). a. The "paths of the seas" [currents caused by the interaction of water and wind] were discovered in the 1800's by Matthew Fontaine Maury. b. How did David know they existed almost 3,000 years earlier? 4. By giving man such an exalted position, God shows why His name is excellent. |