Psalm 8/Overview/Background

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  • The common practice of kings and lords is to accrue glory for themselves, not to bestow it upon others.
  • YHWH gave dominion to (i.e., bestowed glory on) the sun, moon, and stars (Gen 1:16-18; Ps 136:8-9), which are associated with heavenly beings (cf. Job 38:7; Rev 1:20; cf. COS I:181).
  • YHWH created humans as his image and gave them universal dominion (cf. Gen 1:26ff).
  • YHWH promised to give David's dynasty universal dominion (cf. Pss 2; 72; 89; 110).
  • "Portrayal of man in his paradisal splendor was especially linked in the ancient world with the royal office."[1]
  • Wild animals are sometimes used to depict the enemies of God's people (e.g., Pss 7:3; 10:9; 17:12; 22:13, 17, 22; 80:14; cf. Dan 6-7).


  1. ↑ Eaton 1967, 45.