Devotion: Mankind's Dominion

David wrote a psalm about “man having dominion over the works of God’s hand,” which has been translated in the King James Version to say; “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?  For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor.  Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet” (Psalm 8:4-6).  In this version, we see the translation says God has made man “a little lower than the angels,” even though man, who is created in the image and after the likeness of God, is given dominion over the works of God’s hand and has all things put under his feet.  When we think of man being “a little lower” than something, we think more in terms of rank, status, position, stature, importance and/or order.

“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God” (I Corinthians 11:3 KJV).

According to this passage, in terms of rank, status, position, etc., there is first, God, then Jesus, then man, and then woman, but nowhere are there the mention of angels.  Now, if man is created “a little lower than the angels” as the original text has been translated, then one would think that the angels would have been mentioned somewhere in the order of things in this passage.  Again, we remind you that man was originally created in the image and after the likeness of God, given dominion over the works of God’s hand, and has all things put under his feet “(Genesis 1:27).”

Here is what the scriptures tell us about the angels, “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:13-14 KJV)?  According to this passage, all angels are ministering spirits that have been sent forth to minister, to serve, and to care for those who will be the heirs or inheritors of salvation.

Several versions have translated David’s words to say man was made “a little lower than God,” which appears to be more in line with the order we find in I Corinthians 11:3.  We point out this little difference, because we believe that knowing where man stands in relationship to God and his creation will help in your understanding of “mankind’s dominion” as you truly consider what David was trying to say in his psalm.

We pray that today’s message will bless you, inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it.  If blessed by this message please share so that others may be blessed as well.  Amen.

Enjoy your blessings. - KW