Lesson 1 - "What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?" Psalms 8, 19
David and His Psalms · Class 2
Lesson 1 · Psalms 8 & 19
What Is Man, That Thou Art Mindful of Him?
Last week we watched God set Saul aside and choose a shepherd boy. This week we sat with that shepherd under the night sky. In Psalm 8 David sees God’s glory in creation; in Psalm 19 he sees it in God’s Word. Together they show how David viewed God, how he viewed mankind, and how he viewed his own responsibility.
Taught by Walter Wiegand · Brookfield Church of Christ · Brookfield, Illinois
October 14, 2026 · 9:30 a.m.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?
Class Overview
From the Heavens to the Heart
We opened by looking back. The preface reminded us that about 73 psalms are attributed to David, that the final collection was probably gathered by Ezra for worship in the restored temple, and that the psalms grew out of real life: praise, thanksgiving, pleas for mercy and a man’s communion with his God. One student compared them to the blues: songs that tell the truth about what a person is living through. The Bible holds history, poetry, biography and prophecy, and they fit together because one Author works through them all.
Then we reviewed 1 Samuel 15–17. Saul was impulsive and trusted his own judgment over God’s command. God is strict yet longsuffering; He grieved over Saul, and His judgment is perfect because He looks on the heart. David had faults, but he was humble enough to go back to the sheep after he was anointed, and his courage against the lion, the bear and Goliath came from the LORD.
With that background we read two of David’s psalms in the King James Version. Belief must come with action. Even the devils believe (James 2:19), so seeing God’s glory in the sky and in His Word leaves us with a responsibility to respond.
Three things David saw
1
God
A majestic Creator whose name is excellent in all the earth, and whose glory the heavens declare.
2
Mankind
Small beneath the moon and stars, yet made in God’s image and crowned with glory and honour.
3
Apply it: our responsibility
To treasure God’s Word, guard our words and hearts, and answer His goodness with obedience.
Class Infographic
Two Psalms, One Glory
The heavens show us God’s majesty. His Word shows us how to live. Seeing both leads to praise, and praise leads to obedience.
2
psalms of a shepherd under the stars: 8 and 19
3
questions: how David saw God, man and his own duty
6
descriptions of God’s Word in Psalm 19:7–9
1
response: humble, grateful obedience
Last Week in Review: 1 Samuel 15–17
The people’s king
Saul
- Impulsive, with a lack of judgment
- Did not wait as he was told, and spared the best of Amalek
- In effect said, “I know better than what God told me”
The LORD
God
- Strict, yet longsuffering and reasonable
- Blesses obedience; grieved that He had made Saul king (15:35)
- His judgment is perfect: He looks on the heart (16:7)
God’s choice
David
- Had faults, but was set on doing God’s will
- Humble, reflective, a man of integrity
- Courage from the LORD against the lion and the bear (17:37)
Psalm 8 and Psalm 19 Side by Side
Psalm 8 · God’s glory in creation
“How Excellent Is Thy Name”
- Opens and closes with the same praise (8:1, 9)
- The moon and stars are “the work of thy fingers” (8:3)
- Man is small, yet made a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory (8:5)
- Given dominion over sheep, oxen, birds and fish (8:6–8)
- Fulfilled in Jesus, who now rules over all, including us (Hebrews 2:9)
Praise for God leads to obedience to God
Romans 12:1–2
Psalm 19 · God’s glory in His Word
“The Heavens Declare”
- Day and night preach without words (19:1–3)
- The sun runs like a bridegroom and a strong man (19:4–6)
- Creation leaves man “without excuse” (Romans 1:20)
- God’s Word is more precious than fine gold, sweeter than honey (19:10)
- A prayer for clean words and a clean heart (19:12–14)
Six Descriptions of God’s Word · Psalm 19:7–9
The law of the LORD
is perfect
Effect: converting (reviving) the soul
The testimony of the LORD
is sure
Effect: making wise the simple
The statutes of the LORD
are right
Effect: rejoicing the heart
The commandment of the LORD
is pure
Effect: enlightening the eyes
The fear of the LORD
is clean
Effect: enduring for ever
The judgments of the LORD
are true
Effect: righteous altogether
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God … that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV)
Psalm 8 Points to Christ
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour.
For a little while Jesus took on flesh and went to the cross. Now all things are under His feet. We rule over creation, but Christ rules over everything, and especially over us.
The Progression of These Two Psalms
1God created the heavens
2He is mindful of us and made us in His image
3He gave His Word to direct us
4He gave His Son to redeem us
5Our response: humble, grateful obedience
Class Video
Watch the Lesson
Keep your Bible open to Psalms 8 and 19 as you watch. Jump straight to any part of the discussion:
Apply it · Before next class
Lesson 2: “O Lord My God, In Thee Do I Put My Trust”
Psalms 7, 11, 15, 31, 34 · David in the court of Saul, persecuted and tried
Lesson 2 will run for two weeks. Tony Padgett leads the next class, so bring your hard questions.
- Read Lesson 2 in your study book.
- Read 1 Samuel 17–21: David and Goliath, Saul’s jealousy, Jonathan’s friendship and David’s flight.
- Study Psalms 7, 11, 15, 31 and 34, listening for the spirit of each song and its one underlying message.
- Answer the discussion questions for Lesson 2.
- Before you begin, read Psalm 19:7–14 again. Which of God’s commands do you already know but have not yet put into practice?
Romans 1:20 says creation leaves no one without excuse. Who do you know who admires the night sky but has not yet met its Maker? Invite them to read Psalm 19 with you this week.
Self-Evaluating Quiz
Test Your Knowledge
Ten questions from our second class. Choose an answer and you will see right away whether you are correct, with the passage to study.
0 of 10 correct
Answer all 10 questions to see how you did.
Self-Directed Study Game
Match the Verse
Pick a reference on the left, then pick the words it contains on the right. Every verse comes from Psalms 8 and 19 and the passage that applies Psalm 8 to Jesus. Work at your own pace, check your Bible, and turn on the study hints if you get stuck.
Matched 0 of 8 · Misses 0
Start by choosing a reference on the left.
References
The words of Scripture (KJV)
Apply it
Psalm 8 shows God’s glory in the sky; Psalm 19 shows it in His Word. Step outside one night this week, look up, and read Psalm 8 aloud. Then choose one of the six descriptions in Psalm 19:7–9 and ask what it should change in you.
Who can you share Psalm 19 with this week?
For reflection
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
Psalm 8:9 (KJV)