Psalm 8 is referred to a number of times in the NT. It is used by Jesus in a fashion which brings out more profoundly its initial meaning, but its use in the early church reflects a new kind of interpretation in the context of the earliest church’s christology. Jesus, after cleansing the temple, was criticized by the chief priests and scribes for his apparent acceptance of the behavior of children, who were shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David.” The authorities were indignant and expected Jesus to calm this juvenile chorus. But he responded by quoting Ps 8:3: “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings, you have brought forth perfect praise” (Matt 21:16). In his rebuke to the authorities, he brought out the inherent contrast in the original psalm; the children take the name upon their lips (interpreting Son of David, from the perspective of the early church, as a messianic title), but the authorities are indignant and complain—in effect, they are the foes and the avengers of the psalm. But, as in the psalm, it is the children who have the truer perception, not the arrogant enemies.

PETER C. CRAIGIE AND MARVIN TATE, PSALMS 1-50, VOLUME 19: SECOND EDITION (WORD BIBLICAL COMMENTARY), 109.