“But one testified in a certain place, saying: ‘What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him?'” (Hebrews 2:6).
Much like the anonymous nature of the person who authored this verse, Hebrews 2:6 introduces this quotation from Psalm 8 with only the slightest reference to its origin. The restrained tone of this passage thus offers a good example to follow, especially in an age where athletes, politicians, and celebrities often seem to laud themselves with great fanfare.
For instance, consider the potential applications from this verse offered by the following commentators…
“The author of Hebrews is not careful to name the particular Scripture of any Scripture he may quote. All the Old Testament is to him, a divine oracle, the voice of the Holy Spirit, but as far as the human author, the vaguest allusion will suffice…” (1)
“…note the casual way in which he introduces this quotation: lit., ‘someone testified somewhere’, implying that to the writer of Hebrews the instrument is insignificant; it is really God who has spoken…” (2)
“This vague expression suggests that the author considered the source of the testimony unimportant; only God—the one who speaks (Heb 1:1–2)—is important.” (3)
“‘One has testified somewhere’ (NASB) does not mean that the writer has forgotten what part of Scripture he is quoting; this was a way of expressing confidence that the important issue was that God had inspired the words.” (4)
We will encounter several other such references later within this book (see Hebrews 3:7, 4:3, 5:5, and 6:13-14).
In addition to this model of restraint, this verse offers another important insight. You see, this quote reminds us of humanity’s relative insignificance when viewed against the backdrop of a star-filled evening sky. Even the most accomplished human being is infinitesimally small when viewed on this cosmic scale.
We’ll consider the enormity of God’s creative works at greater length in our next study. In the meantime, we can say that this realization might be highly depressing if it were not for the encouragement found in God’s attitude towards humanity as expressed through the words of the Psalmist…
“Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them? You made them a little less than the heavenly beings. You crowned mankind with honor and majesty. you appoint them to rule over your creation; you have placed everything under their authority” (Psalm 8:4-6 NET).
(1) The New International Commentary On The New Testament – The Epistle To The Hebrews, F. F. Bruce, General Editor © Copyright 1964, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan [pg. 34]
(2) New International Bible Commentary general editor G. C. D. Howley, consulting editors F. F. Bruce, H. L. Ellison. Copyright© 1979 by Pickering & Inglis Ltd [pg. 1508]<s/mall>
(3) Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Heb 2:6). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
(4) Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary [Hebrews 2:5-18]