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In the numerical order of the Psalms, this is the first one that is a psalm of praise, and it follows psalms that plead with God for deliverance.
The Prayer Book Psalter has the opening phrase read, “O LORD our Governor,” though the NIV renders the same phrase, “O LORD, our Lord.” In Hebrew, the first name used for God is Jahweh, or Jehovah. This name was universally rendered “LORD” (uppercase) in the King James Version. The second name for God in this phrase, rendered by “Governor,” is Adonai, a term for God which ancient Jews preferred using than the name Jahweh. Jewish respect for the holiness of God’s Name was behind the use of the preferred name for God. The Septuagint used the Greek word kyrios for the name Jahweh, and this was translated as “LORD” in many English versions. The name Jahweh, however, was the name by which God uniquely revealed himself to Israel, according to Exodus 3:14-16, and this unique name of God signifies both his eternal existence and his power to bring into being what does not exist.
It is in the context of God’s creative power, the power of his Name, that the psalmist can say of God, “How excellent is thy Name in all the world” (Psalm 8:1a). The Lord’s Name is excellent in that it is beyond our understanding and comprehension and carries both creative and sustaining power. The Name of God is an expression of his character. For God to set his glory above the heavens and for his Name to be excellent in all the world means that the whole universe is filled with his presence, glory, and power. The word “excellent” as used here translates a Hebrew word meaning “majestic,” and conveys the psalmist’s awe and admiration of God, causing his rejoicing.
The sentence, “Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength, because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger” (Psalm 8:2) is echoed in the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:25b: “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes,” and also in Matthew 21:16, when the chief priests and scribes were annoyed at the Lord for allowing the crowds to praise him and say, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Jesus replied, “Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” (Matthew 21:16b, KJV). This truth that God ordained praises and strength from children, whether sucklings or toddlers, or even older children, shows that God is not limited to including only adults in his kingdom, or having only adults speak his praises and the truths of his kingdom. He uses those who look the least able, the smallest the weakest, to overthrow the mighty.
The Psalmist in viewing the heavens on a clear dark night stands amazed at the marvelous work of of God in creating the stars, the moon and the sky (v.3). It is this attitude of wonder that leads to praising God that should come to every observer of God’s created universe. We cannot fathom the complexity of God’s magnificent and intricate creation.
He concludes that man has hardly any significance compared to all of God’s majestic creation. Mani is not the measure of all things, as the humanists thought, and yet God has made man lower than the angels but crowned him with glory and honor. The following verses show how God has crowned man with glory and honor, namely by giving him dominion over creation. The writer to the Hebrews interpreted these verses concerning the son of man as referring to the Lord Jesus Christ, who was crowned with glory and honor. This psalm, too, prophesies the exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ in ascending into heaven to be seated at God’s right hand.
The psalm concludes with a repetition of the opening statement of God’s excellence. We are left with the impression that the marvels of God’s Name are shown in all his creation and should lead us into the high praises of God.