What does Psalms 8:7 mean?

"All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;" - Psalms 8:7

Psalms 8:7 - "All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;"

Psalms 8:7 - "All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;"

Psalms 8:7 (KJV) reads, "All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field." This verse is part of a larger passage that is a hymn of praise to God for His majesty and the beauty of His creation. The Psalm as a whole is attributed to King David, and it reflects his awe and wonder at the splendor of the universe and the place of humanity within it.

In this particular verse, the focus is on the animals that inhabit the earth. The mention of "sheep and oxen" symbolizes domesticated animals, while "the beasts of the field" represents wild creatures. This verse acknowledges the diversity and abundance of the animal kingdom as a testament to God's creativity and power.

The theme of stewardship is prevalent throughout the entire Psalm, and it is particularly evident in this verse. When David speaks of all the sheep, oxen, and beasts of the field, he is emphasizing humanity's role as caretakers of God's creation. The responsibility of looking after and preserving the earth and its creatures is a central theme in the Bible, and it is reiterated here in this verse.

The context surrounding this verse is important in understanding its deeper meaning. In the preceding verses, David marvels at the grandeur of the heavens and the celestial bodies that God has ordained. He questions the significance of humanity in comparison to such greatness, yet recognizes that God has crowned humans with honor and glory, giving them dominion over the works of His hands. This leads into the reflection on the animals in verse 7, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living creatures in God's creation.

Symbolically, the mention of sheep and oxen can also represent the idea of sacrifice. In biblical times, these were common animals used in offerings to God. The inclusion of these creatures in the Psalm conveys the idea of surrendering to God and acknowledging His authority over all living beings. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrificial system that was foundational in the Israelite religion, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity.

Additionally, the beasts of the field symbolize the untamed and wild aspects of creation. These creatures are subject to the providence of God and serve as a reminder of His sovereignty. The mention of these animals serves to highlight the diversity and complexity of God's creation, and the harmonious order that exists within it.

Overall, Psalms 8:7 (KJV) is a testament to the interconnectivity of all living beings and the importance of recognizing and valuing the natural world. It emphasizes humanity's role as stewards of God's creation and calls for reverence and care for all creatures. The verse serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty and diversity of the natural world, and the responsibility that comes with being entrusted with its care. It also points to the sacrificial nature of devotion to God and the acknowledgement of His sovereign authority over all living beings.

Psalms 8:7 Artwork

Psalms 8:7 - "All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;"

Psalms 8:7 - "All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;"

Psalms 49:8 - "(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)"

Psalms 49:8 - "(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)"

Psalms 98:7 - "Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."

Psalms 98:7 - "Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."

Psalms 12:7 - "Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

Psalms 12:7 - "Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

Psalms 7:8 - "The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me."

Psalms 7:8 - "The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me."

Psalms 78:8 - "And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God."

Psalms 78:8 - "And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God."

Psalms 4:8 - "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."

Psalms 4:8 - "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."

Psalms 88:7 - "Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah."

Psalms 88:7 - "Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah."

Psalms 8:8 - "The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas."

Psalms 8:8 - "The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas."

Psalms 25:7 - "Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD."

Psalms 25:7 - "Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD."

Psalms 29:7 - "The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire."

Psalms 29:7 - "The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire."

Psalms 149:8 - "To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;"

Psalms 149:8 - "To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;"

Psalms 92:8 - "But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore."

Psalms 92:8 - "But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore."

Psalms 69:7-8 - "For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach, that dishonor has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother's sons."

Psalms 69:7-8 - "For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach, that dishonor has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother's sons."

Psalms 48:7 - "Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind."

Psalms 48:7 - "Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind."

Psalms 83:7 - "Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;"

Psalms 83:7 - "Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;"

Psalms 20:8 - "They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright."

Psalms 20:8 - "They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright."

Psalms 103:8 - "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy."

Psalms 103:8 - "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy."

Psalms 73:8 - "They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily."

Psalms 73:8 - "They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily."

Psalms 135:8 - "Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast."

Psalms 135:8 - "Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast."

Psalms 118:8 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Psalms 118:8 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Psalms 136:8 - "The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:8 - "The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 28:8 - "The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed."

Psalms 28:8 - "The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed."

Psalms 95:8 - "Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:"

Psalms 95:8 - "Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:"

Psalms 111:8 - "They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness."

Psalms 111:8 - "They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness."

Psalms 87:3 - "Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah."

Psalms 87:3 - "Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah."

Psalms 149:7 - "To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;"

Psalms 149:7 - "To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;"

Psalms 7:7 - "So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high."

Psalms 7:7 - "So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high."

Psalms 120:7 - "I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war."

Psalms 120:7 - "I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war."

Psalms 7:10 - "My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart."

Psalms 7:10 - "My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart."