Psalms 8:2

KJV

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

KJV (with Strong's)

Out of the mouth {H6310} of babes {H5768} and sucklings {H3243} hast thou ordained {H3245} strength {H5797} because of thine enemies {H6887}, that thou mightest still {H7673} the enemy {H341} and the avenger {H5358}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From the mouths of babies and infants at the breast you established strength because of your foes, in order that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.

Berean Standard Bible

From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.

American Standard Version

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou established strength, Because of thine adversaries, That thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 8:2 presents a profound theological paradox, declaring that God establishes formidable strength from the seemingly weakest and most innocent sources—"babes and sucklings"—for the express purpose of silencing His adversaries. This verse beautifully encapsulates divine wisdom that inverts human expectations, demonstrating God's sovereign power to achieve His purposes through unexpected channels, thereby confounding those who oppose His will and His people. It is a powerful testament to the efficacy of simple faith and praise in the face of spiritual opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 8 is a majestic hymn of praise, opening with an exultation of God's glorious name throughout the earth in [Psalm 8:1](/psalms/8-1 "Psalm 8:1 - God's Excellent Name"). The psalm then shifts from the cosmic grandeur of creation to a surprising declaration about humanity's place within it. Verse 2, specifically, serves as a foundational statement that immediately follows the opening declaration of God's universal glory, setting a tone of divine paradox. It contrasts the immense power of God, evident in the heavens, with His choice to manifest strength through the most vulnerable, preparing the reader for the subsequent verses that marvel at God's condescension in crowning humanity with glory and honor, giving them dominion over creation, as seen in [Psalm 8:5-8](/psalms/8-5 "Psalm 8:5-8 - Humanity's Exalted Position"). This verse, therefore, is not an isolated thought but an integral part of David's meditation on God's omnipotence and His unique relationship with humankind.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, Psalm 8 reflects a deeply rooted Israelite understanding of Yahweh as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, children, especially "babes and sucklings," represented the epitome of vulnerability, dependence, and lack of worldly power or influence. They were not typically seen as sources of strength or authority. The verse, therefore, makes a radical statement that defies conventional wisdom. Geographically, while not directly relevant to the verse's meaning, the psalm's themes resonate with the experience of observing God's glory in the natural world, perhaps under the vast, star-filled skies of ancient Israel, as suggested by [Psalm 8:3](/psalms/8-3 "Psalm 8:3 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"). The "enemies" and "avenger" likely refer to both human adversaries of God's people and spiritual forces of evil (e.g., Satan, demonic powers) that oppose God's kingdom and His righteous rule.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Divine Paradox** of God's power, demonstrating that His strength is perfected in weakness, a concept echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak"). God's methods often subvert human expectations, choosing the humble and overlooked to accomplish mighty deeds. Secondly, it highlights the **Power of Praise and Simple Faith**. While "strength" can denote God's inherent power displayed through the innocent, it is widely interpreted, particularly in the New Testament, as the potent force of pure, unadulterated adoration and childlike trust. This simple devotion can be more effective against spiritual adversaries than any human might. Thirdly, the verse underscores God's commitment to **Silencing the Adversary**. The ultimate purpose of this divinely ordained strength is to "still the enemy and the avenger," bringing their accusations, schemes, and malice to nothing. This speaks to God's active role in spiritual warfare and His ultimate triumph over evil, a theme prevalent in books like [Revelation](/revelation/1 "The Book of Revelation - God's Ultimate Triumph").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ordained (Hebrew, _yāsad'_):** This verb means "to found," "to establish," "to lay a foundation," or "to appoint." It signifies a deliberate, purposeful, and permanent act of God. It's not a fleeting or accidental manifestation of strength, but a divinely instituted and foundational reality. God doesn't merely use the praise of children; He actively and intentionally establishes a deep-seated, unshakeable strength through them.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _‘ōz'_):** This noun denotes "might," "power," "fortress," or "stronghold." It conveys the idea of robust, unyielding power, often associated with God's own inherent might. When applied to "babes and sucklings," it emphasizes the formidable and effective nature of the power God brings forth through them, which is capable of withstanding and overcoming opposition.
* **Still (Hebrew, _shābath'_):** This verb means "to cease," "to desist," "to rest," or "to bring to an end." In this context, it implies a complete cessation of hostile activity, a silencing or bringing to naught of the enemy's accusations, threats, or destructive intentions. It suggests a decisive victory where the adversary is rendered powerless and unable to continue their malicious work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength":** This opening clause presents the striking paradox. "Babes and sucklings" (עוֹלְלִים וְיֹנְקִים, _‘ôlĕlîm wĕyônqîm_) refers to infants and nursing children, representing the epitome of human vulnerability, innocence, and dependence. From these seemingly weakest and most helpless sources, God "ordains" or establishes a profound "strength." This strength is often understood as the simple, pure praise and testimony that naturally flows from those with unadulterated faith, or even the mere existence and innocence of such individuals, which serves as a powerful witness to God's creative and sustaining power.
* **"because of thine enemies":** This phrase clarifies the motivation behind God's action. The strength is established specifically "because of" (לְמַעַן, _lĕma‘an_) or "on account of" God's adversaries. These "enemies" (צֹרְרֶיךָ, _ṣōrĕreyḵā_) are those who oppose God and His people, whether human oppressors or spiritual forces of evil. God's act is a strategic move in the spiritual battle, designed to counter and overcome opposition.
* **"that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger":** This final clause states the ultimate purpose or result of God's ordained strength. The aim is to "still" (לְהַשְׁבִּית, _lĕhašbît_) or silence "the enemy and the avenger" (אוֹיֵב וּמִתְנַקֵּם, _’ôyēḇ ûmitnaqqēm_). "The enemy" refers to any hostile force, while "the avenger" (or "the one who takes revenge") implies someone seeking to inflict harm or retribution. This signifies a complete cessation of their hostile activity, a silencing of their accusations, and a thwarting of their destructive plans, demonstrating God's ultimate triumph over all opposition.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 8:2 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, where the seemingly contradictory idea of strength emerging from weakness (babes and sucklings) is presented as a divine truth. This paradox highlights God's unconventional methods and His ability to invert human expectations. There is also a strong element of **Hyperbole** in the phrase "babes and sucklings," emphasizing the absolute lowest point of human capability to underscore the supernatural nature of the strength God provides. The verse also uses **Personification** by referring to the "mouth" of babes, attributing a source of vocal expression to infants, which is then linked to the "strength" that silences the enemy. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for God's sovereign power, demonstrating that His might is not limited by conventional means but can manifest through the most unexpected and humble vessels to achieve His ultimate purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 8:2 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's power and His strategic engagement with opposition. It reveals that God's strength is not dependent on human might, wisdom, or status, but often manifests most powerfully through humility and innocence. This divine principle challenges human pride and self-sufficiency, redirecting our focus to God's sovereign ability to use the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His grand purposes. The verse foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on childlike faith and the power of simple, sincere praise as potent spiritual weapons against the forces of darkness. It underscores God's active role in spiritual warfare, affirming His ultimate victory over all who oppose His kingdom and His people, demonstrating that even the purest, most unassuming expressions of faith can be a formidable bulwark against evil.

* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")
* [Matthew 21:15-16](/matthew/21-15 "Matthew 21:15-16 - Jesus Quotes Psalm 8:2")
* [Luke 10:21](/luke/10-21 "Luke 10:21 - Jesus Rejoices that God Hides Things from the Wise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 8:2 offers profound encouragement and a humbling perspective for believers today. It reminds us that God's power is not confined to the strong, the eloquent, or the influential, but often shines brightest through the most unexpected vessels. This calls us to cultivate a childlike faith—a faith characterized by simplicity, dependence, and unadulterated trust in God, free from the complexities and cynicism of the world. It challenges us to embrace humility, recognizing that our perceived weaknesses can become conduits for God's extraordinary strength. Furthermore, the verse highlights the immense spiritual power of genuine praise. When we offer sincere adoration to God, even in our vulnerability, we are participating in a divine strategy that silences the accusations of the enemy and thwarts the schemes of darkness. This should inspire us to prioritize heartfelt worship and to never underestimate the impact of simple, pure expressions of devotion, whether from ourselves or from the children in our midst.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most vulnerable or "weak," and how might God desire to manifest His strength through those very areas?**
* **How does the concept of "childlike faith" (not childishness) challenge your understanding of spiritual maturity and effectiveness?**
* **What does it mean practically to "still the enemy and the avenger" through praise and simple faith in your daily life or within your community?**
* **How can we better foster environments where the simple, genuine expressions of faith from children are recognized and valued as powerful testimonies to God's glory?**

### FAQ
**What does "babes and sucklings" truly represent in this verse?**

Answer: "Babes and sucklings" (Hebrew: _‘ôlĕlîm wĕyônqîm_) literally refers to infants and nursing children. Symbolically, they represent the epitome of human vulnerability, innocence, and complete dependence. In the context of Psalm 8:2, they signify those who are utterly lacking in worldly power, wisdom, or influence, yet through whom God chooses to display His formidable strength. It's a powerful symbol of God's ability to work through the humble and unassuming, confounding the proud and self-sufficient.

**How does the "strength" from babes and sucklings silence the enemy?**

Answer: The "strength" can be understood in a few ways, often overlapping. Primarily, it refers to the simple, pure, and unadulterated praise and testimony that comes from those with childlike faith. This genuine adoration of God is inherently powerful in the spiritual realm, as it acknowledges God's supreme sovereignty and goodness, which directly counters the enemy's accusations, lies, and attempts to undermine God's character or plan. As seen in [Matthew 21:16](/matthew/21-16 "Matthew 21:16 - Jesus Quotes Psalm 8:2"), Jesus Himself affirmed that the praise of children silenced His critics. Additionally, the very existence and innocence of children can serve as a powerful witness to God's creative power and goodness, which itself is a rebuke to any force that seeks to deny or corrupt God's truth.

**Who are "the enemy and the avenger" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The enemy and the avenger" (Hebrew: _’ôyēḇ ûmitnaqqēm_) refers to any adversary that opposes God and His people. This can include human oppressors, persecutors, or those who mock God's ways. More profoundly, and especially in light of the New Testament, it points to spiritual forces of evil, primarily Satan and his demonic agents, who are the ultimate accusers and adversaries of God and believers. The "avenger" aspect suggests a malevolent entity seeking to inflict harm or retribution against God's righteous order. God's ordained strength from the weak is designed to bring their malicious activities to a complete halt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 8:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent example of God ordaining strength from apparent weakness, perfectly embodying the paradox of divine power. Though God incarnate, Jesus "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" as described in [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation"). His earthly ministry was characterized by humility, beginning as a helpless infant and culminating in His crucifixion, the ultimate display of weakness in the world's eyes. Yet, it was through this very "weakness" that God ordained the greatest strength: the defeat of sin, death, and the devil. The "babes and sucklings" who offered simple praise to Jesus in the temple, prompting His direct quotation of [Psalm 8:2](/psalms/8-2 "Psalm 8:2 - Strength from Babes") in [Matthew 21:16](/matthew/21-16 "Matthew 21:16 - Jesus Quotes Psalm 8:2"), perfectly illustrate this principle. Their pure "Hosannas" were a divinely established strength that silenced the indignant chief priests and scribes, the very "enemies and avengers" of God's redemptive plan. Christ's entire life, death, and resurrection demonstrate that God's power is not found in worldly might but in humble obedience and sacrificial love, through which He eternally "stills the enemy and the avenger" by establishing His kingdom, as prophesied in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities") and ultimately revealed in [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Thrown into the Lake of Fire").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 21:16

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Psalms 46:10

Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

1 Corinthians 1:27

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Matthew 11:25

¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.