When we think of Psalm 8, we usually think of humanity’s exalted position, but the frame in which this image is set makes plain that this is but one expression of a greater reality: “How majestic is your name in all the earth!” From beginning to end this is a psalm about the Lord and his majestic condescension. This little hymn is unusual in that it speaks in the “I” form (v. 3), but we should note this individual speaks on behalf of others (our Lord) and is thus probably a liturgist. We should perhaps imagine its being sung under a night sky.

8:1 In the opening and closing refrain (v. 9) your name points particularly to Yahweh’s self-revelation. The psalm sings of it in universal and cosmic terms by referring to the twin spheres of all the earth and the heavens. This does not imply his n…