◄ Psalm 144:3 ►
O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him?
Study Bible
O LORD
This phrase acknowledges the covenant name of God, Yahweh, which is often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. It signifies the personal and relational nature of God with His people. In the Hebrew context, invoking the name of Yahweh is a call to the God who is both transcendent and immanent, the Creator who is intimately involved with His creation. This sets the tone for the psalmist's reflection on the nature of humanity in relation to the divine.

what is man
The Hebrew word for "man" here is "enosh," which often emphasizes the frailty and mortality of human beings. This word choice highlights the psalmist's contemplation of human insignificance in the grand scheme of creation. It invites readers to reflect on the humility and dependency of humanity before an almighty God, reminding us of our limited nature and the grace that God extends to us despite our weaknesses.

that You regard him
The word "regard" in Hebrew is "yada," which means to know or to consider. This implies a deep, intimate knowledge and care that God has for humanity. It is astonishing that the Creator of the universe would take notice of man, suggesting a profound relationship between God and His creation. This phrase encourages believers to marvel at the personal attention and love God shows to each individual.

the son of man
This phrase, "ben adam" in Hebrew, is a poetic parallel to "man" and often emphasizes human beings as descendants of Adam, highlighting our shared humanity and inherent sinfulness. It is a reminder of our origins and the commonality of the human experience. In a broader biblical context, "son of man" is also a messianic title used by Jesus, pointing to His identification with humanity and His role as the representative of mankind.

that You think of him
The Hebrew word for "think" is "chashab," which can mean to plan, esteem, or consider. This suggests that God not only notices humanity but also values and has plans for us. It speaks to the intentionality of God's relationship with us, affirming that we are not mere afterthoughts in His creation. This phrase inspires believers to trust in God's purpose and care for their lives, knowing that they are valued and cherished by Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of Psalm 144, David was the second king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as a warrior and poet. This psalm reflects his humility and awe before God.

2. LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal nature and His relationship with His people. In this verse, David addresses God directly, acknowledging His majesty and care.

3. Man (Hebrew: 'enosh')
This term emphasizes the frailty and mortality of human beings. David uses it to highlight the contrast between God's greatness and human insignificance.

4. Son of Man (Hebrew: 'ben adam')
A term that underscores human lineage and the earthly nature of humanity. It is often used to emphasize human limitations in contrast to divine omnipotence.
Teaching Points
Humility Before God
Recognize our smallness in the grand scheme of creation. This should lead us to a posture of humility, acknowledging our dependence on God.

God's Mindfulness
Despite our insignificance, God chooses to regard us. This is a profound truth that should inspire gratitude and worship.

Human Value in God's Eyes
While we are frail, God sees value in us. This should encourage us to see ourselves and others through God's eyes, with inherent worth and dignity.

Reflect on God's Grace
Consider the grace that God extends to us, not because of our merit, but because of His love and purpose for us.

Live Responsively
In light of God's attention and care, live a life that responds to His love with obedience and devotion.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the original Hebrew terms for "man" and "son of man" deepen our comprehension of this verse?

2. In what ways does Psalm 144:3 challenge our modern views of self-importance and autonomy?

3. How can we cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude in our daily lives, knowing that God regards us?

4. What are some practical ways we can reflect God's regard for humanity in our interactions with others?

5. How does the connection between Psalm 144:3 and Hebrews 2:6-8 enhance our understanding of Jesus' incarnation and its significance for humanity?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 8:4
This verse echoes the same sentiment of wonder at God's mindfulness of humanity, highlighting the theme of human insignificance in the face of divine majesty.

Job 7:17-18
Job questions why God pays attention to man, similar to David's inquiry, reflecting on human suffering and divine scrutiny.

Hebrews 2:6-8
This New Testament passage quotes Psalm 8, applying the concept of God's regard for humanity to the incarnation of Christ, emphasizing the value God places on human beings.
Sermons
God as Our GeneralPsalm 144:1-9
The Lord Teaching Us to FightF. D. Maurice, M. A.Psalm 144:1-9
What the Goodness of God Does for Me and in MeS. Conway Psalm 144:1-15
A Fourfold WonderC. Clayton, M. A.Psalm 144:3-4
ManDavid Thomas, D. D.Psalm 144:3-4
The Divine CondescensionE. Brown.Psalm 144:3-4
The Transitoriness of ManR. Tuck Psalm 144:3, 4
The Vanity of Man; and Christianity its AntidoteH. Angus.Psalm 144:3-4
Worthless Man Much Regarded by the Mighty GodPsalm 144:3-4
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Account, Care, Esteemest, Makest, Mind, O, Regard, Takest
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 144:3

     2221   Christ, Son of Man
     2233   Son of Man
     5020   human nature

Psalm 144:1-3

     5490   refuge

Library
Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
Adoption, a sonship higher than that of nature, [482]255; frequently mentioned in Holy Scripture, [483]255, [484]256; the term of ancient use among the Jews, [485]256; "raising up seed to brother," [486]256; used by St. Paul to express the mystery of our adoption in Christ, [487]256. Adversary, to be agreed with and delivered from, [488]442; not so Satan, [489]442; the Law our, so long as we our own, [490]443; must agree with, by obedience, and so made no longer adversary, [491]443. Affliction, blessing …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500
In the second period of the history of the Church under the Christian Empire, the Church, although existing in two divisions of the Empire and experiencing very different political fortunes, may still be regarded as forming a whole. The theological controversies distracting the Church, although different in the two halves of the Graeco-Roman world, were felt to some extent in both divisions of the Empire and not merely in the one in which they were principally fought out; and in the condemnation …
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
Numberless marks does man bear in his soul, that he is fallen and estranged from God; but nothing gives a greater proof thereof, than that backwardness, which every one finds within himself, to the duty of praise and thanksgiving. When God placed the first man in paradise, his soul no doubt was so filled with a sense of the riches of the divine love, that he was continually employing that breath of life, which the Almighty had not long before breathed into him, in blessing and magnifying that all-bountiful, …
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
1. Introduction, showing the necessity of proving the similarity of both dispensations in opposition to Servetus and the Anabaptists. 2. This similarity in general. Both covenants truly one, though differently administered. Three things in which they entirely agree. 3. First general similarity, or agreement--viz. that the Old Testament, equally with the New, extended its promises beyond the present life, and held out a sure hope of immortality. Reason for this resemblance. Objection answered. 4. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual Government of the World.
1. The invisible and incomprehensible essence of God, to a certain extent, made visible in his works. 2. This declared by the first class of works--viz. the admirable motions of the heavens and the earth, the symmetry of the human body, and the connection of its parts; in short, the various objects which are presented to every eye. 3. This more especially manifested in the structure of the human body. 4. The shameful ingratitude of disregarding God, who, in such a variety of ways, is manifested within …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Scriptural Christianity
"Whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head." Ezek. 33:4. "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." Acts 4:31. 1. The same expression occurs in the second chapter, where we read, "When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all" (the Apostles, with the women, and the mother of Jesus, and his brethren) "with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Letter Xl to Thomas, Prior of Beverley
To Thomas, Prior of Beverley This Thomas had taken the vows of the Cistercian Order at Clairvaux. As he showed hesitation, Bernard urges his tardy spirit to fulfil them. But the following letter will prove that it was a warning to deaf ears, where it relates the unhappy end of Thomas. In this letter Bernard sketches with a master's hand the whole scheme of salvation. Bernard to his beloved son Thomas, as being his son. 1. What is the good of words? An ardent spirit and a strong desire cannot express …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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