Psalm 8:5 For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and have crowned him with glory and honor. I. MAN LOWER THAN THE ANGELS. 1. By creation the angel is the "elder brother" of the two, for he was created first. Angels' songs always bear some reference to man; something pertaining to man invariably forms part of their theme. Not only in time is man lower than the angels, he is so — 2. In the substance from which he is formed. Angels are pure spirits, but one part of man is formed out of the clay. 3. In his habitation. God gave heaven for an abode unto the angels, but "the earth hath He given to the children of men." 4. In his powers. Angels "excel in strength." "Man that is a worm, and the son of man that is a worm." 5. In his character. Man was not made as he is, but he has made himself so, by his sin. II. MAN EQUAL TO THE ANGELS. 1. Although not in the same workroom, they are in the same service. The king's livery is worn by the humblest guard of the mail, as well as by the highest officers of the household. The angel said to John in Patmos, "I am thy fellow servant." 2. They are equal in rights and privileges. The godly man is as sure of heaven as any of the angels who are now there: only as yet he is not made meet for it. 3. In kindred, for man, too, is a child of God. 4. In duration of existence. Every man is to exist forever. "Neither can they die any more." III. MAN HIGHER THAN THE ANGELS. That is, in his glorified state. 1. He shall have a better feast. There will be dishes on man's table that angels can never taste. 2. Better apparel. Man's garments will be the workmanship of "grace." They are more expensive. Angels' garments cost only a word; but blood was essential to wash the robes of the saints and to make them white. 3. A better song. Saints have themes the angels cannot think upon, and strains which they can never reach. 4. A better position, and superior privileges. Angels shall approach very near the throne; but they shall never sit upon it. (David Roberts, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.WEB: For you have made him a little lower than God, and crowned him with glory and honor. |
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