If we consider Psalm 8: 1 and 9, in the light of Amos 2: 6,7 and 8
we can see that there is an unacceptable incongruity in taking part
in public praise of God and also being responsible for affliction
of the needy. The glorification of God can never be at the expense
of the poor.
Psalm 8:1 NRSV
O LORD, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth !
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Amos 2:6-7-8 NRSV
6 Thus says the LORD:
For three transgressions of Israel, and for four,
I will not revoke the punishment;
because they sell the righteous for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals.
7 they who trample the head of the poor
into the dust of the earth,
and push the afflicted out of the way;
father and son go in for the same girl,
so that my holy name is profaned.
8 they lay themselves down beside every altar
on garments taken in pledge;
and in the house of their God
they drink wine bought with fines they imposed.
Psalm 8:9 NRSV
O LORD, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth !
We can hardly impose austerity on the young and old and then give
thanks and praise to our God who lifts up the weak and lowly.
The words of prayer which we express to the God of heaven and
earth, can not be isolated from the words and deeds which affect
our neighbour.
Psalm 8 calls us to an awareness of the Divine Majesty, present
to us in prayer, and the Human Dignity of our fellow beings and
ourselves as perceived by the mind of Christ.
Psalm 8: 4-5-6 NRSV
4 What are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them ?
5 Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and honour.
6 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet.
Our attitudes in prayer need to match our attitudes in everyday life,
and may they always match the example given in Psalm 72..
Psalm 72:12-13-14 NRSV
12 for he delivers the needy when they call,
the poor and those who have no helper.
13 He has pity on the needy, and saves the lives of the needy
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life;
and precious is their blood in his eyes.
we can see that there is an unacceptable incongruity in taking part
in public praise of God and also being responsible for affliction
of the needy. The glorification of God can never be at the expense
of the poor.
Psalm 8:1 NRSV
O LORD, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth !
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Amos 2:6-7-8 NRSV
6 Thus says the LORD:
For three transgressions of Israel, and for four,
I will not revoke the punishment;
because they sell the righteous for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals.
7 they who trample the head of the poor
into the dust of the earth,
and push the afflicted out of the way;
father and son go in for the same girl,
so that my holy name is profaned.
8 they lay themselves down beside every altar
on garments taken in pledge;
and in the house of their God
they drink wine bought with fines they imposed.
Psalm 8:9 NRSV
O LORD, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth !
We can hardly impose austerity on the young and old and then give
thanks and praise to our God who lifts up the weak and lowly.
The words of prayer which we express to the God of heaven and
earth, can not be isolated from the words and deeds which affect
our neighbour.
Psalm 8 calls us to an awareness of the Divine Majesty, present
to us in prayer, and the Human Dignity of our fellow beings and
ourselves as perceived by the mind of Christ.
Psalm 8: 4-5-6 NRSV
4 What are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them ?
5 Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and honour.
6 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet.
Our attitudes in prayer need to match our attitudes in everyday life,
and may they always match the example given in Psalm 72..
Psalm 72:12-13-14 NRSV
12 for he delivers the needy when they call,
the poor and those who have no helper.
13 He has pity on the needy, and saves the lives of the needy
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life;
and precious is their blood in his eyes.
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