A Study Of Psalm 8 And 9 Series

A Study of Psalm 8 and 9

Psalm 8 and 9

Introduction

- Psalms broken into 5 books, covered an extensive time period

- Gathered together as songs of praise & words of encouragement/warning

- We are studying book 1, Psalm 1-41 … then will move to something else

- There are psalms of wisdom, royal psalms, lament psalms, & thanksgiving

- There are also psalms of pilgrimage and enthronement (majesty of God) psalms

- If we determine to apply ourselves, this could be a life changing study

- Even though we are all facing challenges, I believe that God is still at work

- This study: I want us, as a church, to examine if we can’t rejoice more

- We ought to be able to praise and want more of God every day

- Read Psalm 8-9 / Pray

Point 1 – Psalm 8 (God is incredible!)

- Purpose: Written as a celebration of who God is, David rejoices

-- APP: This Psalm is written for us to pause and consider the Lord

(The splendor of God)

- Begins with God’s majesty and his splendor over everything we see (v1)

-- Even with the physical limitations (gravity, etc.) God still shines through

-- Psalmist knew this, and declares the praise for God’s glory

(The strength of God)

- David declares that God’s strength is over everything (v2)

-- He is the victor of every problem, every enemy, every challenge we face

- APP: Even in our weakest (children/infants) God is strong

-- Even in our most wicked intentions God is strong

-- This is a declaration of where we fall in our strength and His

(The sovereignty of God)

- David considers the position of man compared to that of God

-- He considers the creation of the universe (v3); marvels at his workmanship

- Truly, this is an opportunity for us to do the same … to stand in awe

- CHALL: If we will not recognize what God has done how can we worship?

- Then a unique position unfolds, he describes exactly who we are:

• Who are we that God would even care about us? (v4)

• Amazed that we would be given any place in God’s universe

• Or, that we would be shown any favor by such a creator

- Further, why would this Creator give us domain over anything?

• Given all the flocks, herds, animals, birds, and fish

• This declaration reveals the glory of God

- We were not given these things to bring honor to us; but to Him

-- Critical: We must not get a big head over this – the praise is God’s

- This is why David ends with the same affirmation he began with

• God’s name is excellent; he should be praised

• Everything we see reveals His majesty; worship Him

- FOCUS: Consider … God’s greatness is seen in everything we experience

-- Why would we want to put our trust in ourselves instead of Him?

- TRANS: Let’s look at Psalm 9 …

Point 2 – Psalm 9 (God is our champion!)

- In the face of struggling and mounting difficulties, one thing remains:

-- God is still going to be victorious – this Psalm is a declaration of that fact

- David vows to praise God four times in the opening two verses

• He praises God twice for his great power (1)

• He praises God twice for the glorious person that He is (2)

• “O most high” = Hebrew: Elyon which means exalted over all

(David’s proclamation)

- Critical point in David’s testimony: When God intervenes, enemies flee!

- David gives 5 ways that God is victorious (praise and celebration):

• Upheld my cause;

• rebuked the nations;

• destroyed the wicked;

• blotted out their name forever

• uprooted their cities

- He proclaims that God directs everything that we see (7-8)

• First, He reigns forever

• Second, He will judge the world in righteousness

- Acts 17:31, “For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

- God defends those who are oppressed; he is a stronghold during trouble (9-10)

-- And because of this; He deserves our praise – challenge to do this in all times

- In all the nations, we should praise the Lord (11-12)

• God’s victories are known, and should be celebrated

• For us: just consider the victory at the cross; Christ is RISEN!

- So, in righteousness David petitions God:

• For God’s deliverance (13-14)

o At the darkest time of his life, David calls for God’s protection

o Purpose: “So that in victory, I can praise you, God!”