This psalm is a lyrical reflection on the creation and endowment of man: ‘Let us make man in our image… let him have dominion over the fish, the birds, the beasts’ (Gen 1:26). He is nearly a god because he shares in God’s dominion. He is much greater than the stars because, although he exists before the Eternal God, he has a voice for praise.
Everything reveals to us the greatness of God, whose Name is admirable just like his works. It is a simple, childlike language appropriate for praising our great Master (cf. Mt 21:16). See how the apostles apply these words of the psalm to Jesus: Matthew 21:16; 1 Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians 1:22; Hebrews 2:6-8. No one can build themselves up if they have not yet discovered their mission in the world. We are nothing without our brothers and sisters who struggle to survive in the small worlds of everyday life. Wherever a person is, God tenderly cares for them (v. 5). This psalm can be sung as a celebration of human dignity and divine greatness.