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!”
• For God’s destruction
o He knew that nations that turned from God would fall (15-17)
o Their ways will catch up to them; and eventually be overtaken
o Critical: In our sin, it will be our undoing as well
o Therefore: “Lord, protect and comfort the needy” (18)
- Finishing this Psalm, David’s passion for God is shown:
• Arise, my Lord (19); come to my rescue, Lord
• Strike them, Lord (20); show the world that You are powerful
- TRANS: Why are these two Psalms so important for you and me today?
Big Idea – There is comfort found in God’s protection!
- Admittedly, we need more comfort in our lives, each and every day
- David was a man who suffered much; but his heart’s direction was clear
-- “Lord, you are great and mighty and deserve all of my praise and honor!”
- FACT: God will make every injustice right again, but the timeline is His
-- This is why having patience (long-suffering) is critical for us today
- No matter the challenges you are facing; or the trials, or the sorrow …
• God will be victorious
• IMP: Not “we” will be victorious
• God will be victorious
- Re: Life is not about us – we are merely His appointed servants
-- Re-read Psalm 8:6 … life is not about us … it’s about His glory revealed
- Today: God has sent His son to die for us so we might know Him
-- So that even in our worst days, we would have hope that victory is coming
- This week: look to God for your strength, worship Christ for your access to God
-- Celebrate all that God has done (creation to you) … it will change your attitude
- Pray
