Free group study handout
Psalm 8: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Psalm 8 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Yahweh's name is declared majestic in all the earth. The psalmist praises God, who has set his glory above the heavens (vv. 1-2).
Key verse
“what is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him?”
Psalms 8:4 (WEB)
Outline
- Psalm 8:1–2 Majesty of God Declared
- Psalm 8:3–4 Contemplation of Creation
- Psalm 8:5–8 Human Dignity and Role
- Psalm 8:9 Concluding Praise
Discussion questions
- What does the psalmist say God has established 'from the lips of babes and infants' in v2?
- Which creatures are put 'under his feet' in vv. 6-8?
- The question 'what is man' in v4 comes right after the moon and stars of v3: what is the psalmist feeling?
- Why does v9 repeat v1 word for word after everything said about humans in between?
- When did looking at the night sky last make you feel small, and what did you do with that?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Psalm 8: Genesis 1, Hebrews 2, 2 Samuel 7.
Before next time: read Psalm 9.