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Book of Psalms - Chapter 8 - Verse 1

8:1
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.

Meaning

Psalm 8, attributed to King David, begins with a call to the chief musician upon Gittith, a stringed instrument. The Psalm celebrates the glory and majesty of God, recognizing His name as excellent in all the earth. The verse emphasizes the greatness of God, acknowledging His supremacy over all creation. The psalmist marvels at the splendor of God's name, which is exalted above the heavens themselves. This verse serves as a reminder of the power and sovereignty of God, praising Him for His majestic nature that surpasses all understanding. It encourages believers to reflect on the greatness of God's name and to offer Him praise and worship for His unmatched glory. The verse sets the tone for the entire Psalm, which goes on to explore the relationship between humanity and the Creator, highlighting the significance of God's creation and His care for mankind.

Theological Overview

The verse "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens," is a declaration of praise and adoration to the name of God. The word "excellent" in this verse can be understood as "majestic" or "noble," indicating the greatness and superiority of God's name above all else. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the glory and majesty of God, recognizing His supreme authority and power over all creation. The word "Lord" used here refers to God's sovereignty and lordship over all the earth, demonstrating His unmatched reign and rule.

Furthermore, the phrase "set thy glory above the heavens" reflects the transcendence of God's glory, surpassing even the highest realms of the universe. The word "glory" speaks to the radiant splendor and magnificence of God's presence, highlighting His unmatched greatness and worthiness of praise. This verse, attributed to David, acknowledges the universal scope of God's name and glory, proclaiming His excellence throughout all the earth. It serves as a reminder of God's unsurpassable majesty and the awe-inspiring wonder of His divine attributes.

American Standard Version

[For the Chief Musician; set to the Gittith. A Psalm of David]. O Jehovah, our Lord, How excellent is thy name in all the earth, Who hast set thy glory upon the heavens!
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