Psalms 8:7
All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
Original Language Analysis
וַאֲלָפִ֣ים
and oxen
H504
וַאֲלָפִ֣ים
and oxen
Strong's:
H504
Word #:
2 of 6
a family; also (from the sense of yoking or taming) an ox or cow
כֻּלָּ֑ם
H3605
כֻּלָּ֑ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְ֝גַ֗ם
H1571
וְ֝גַ֗ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Historical Context
Written in contemplation of creation's order, this psalm celebrates God's design where humanity serves as God's vice-regents over creation. Ancient Israel's economy was predominantly agricultural, making sheep and oxen central to daily life. The inclusion of wild beasts shows comprehensive dominion, though the Fall disrupted this harmony (Genesis 9:2).
Questions for Reflection
- How does your stewardship of creation reflect God's original mandate?
- In what ways do you see Christ's restoration of humanity's proper relationship with creation?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse continues the recitation of humanity's dominion over creation from verse 6. The specific mention of domestic animals (sheep and oxen) and wild animals (beasts of the field) reflects the Genesis mandate where humanity was given rule over all creatures. The Hebrew 'aleph' (oxen) and 'tson' (sheep) represent humanity's agricultural dominion. This dominion was damaged by the Fall but ultimately restored in Christ, the second Adam. Hebrews 2:6-8 applies this psalm messianically, noting we don't yet see all things subject to humanity, but we see Jesus.