“…And You have crowned [man] with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.” – Psalm 8:5–6

As a king, David was familiar with crowns. He was crowned twice – first in Judah, then in Hebron over all Israel.

Later, he received many crowns from the kingdoms he conquered as he expanded his kingdom.

For example in 2 Samuel 12:30, the Bible says; “And he took their king’s crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David’s head.”  

Today, a talent of gold is equivalent to more than 30 kilos of pure gold, not a bad load at all to have on your head, you know!

David put those crowns on his head to demonstrate that he had vanquished the enemies of Israel and now reigned over them as well.

But crowns were not just a reserve for kings only. Even priests were crowned.

For example, Exodus 29:5-6 says; “Then Aaron the high priest dressed in holy garments with a breastplate over his heart, and there was placed on his head a holy crown.” (See also Zechariah 6:11).

That’s why the Bible says that Christ “has made us kings and priests to His Father” (Revelation 1:5-6).

To have a crown on the head is to have ruling authority. The crown is synonymous with the throne.

In our meditation today, David reflects on the creation story in Genesis and states that God crowned man with glory and honour that he may have dominion over all the works of His hands.

God created human beings as majestic creatures that were to rule over all His creation – on land, in the air and in the sea.

However, in his fallen state, man is profoundly disfigured and weak – a total perversion of the majesty that God intended in the beginning.

Today, everything is under your feet.  God declares you crowned. Say a big Amen!

According to Hebrews 2:8-9, our Lord Jesus came to restore that original state and purpose to those who believe in Him.

In Psalm 103:2-4, David cites being crowned as one of God’s “benefits” that his soul should “forget not.”

Indeed, even his son Solomon continued with the tradition of making the concept of the crown a major theme in the book of Proverbs.

In the New Testament, ‘diadem’ – the word for ‘crown’ – is always used as the symbol of kingly or imperial dignity.

But also, the apostle Paul also makes reference to “the victor’s crown,” which is symbolic of the prize for triumphing in games or competitions.

Today, to “be crowned” is to be declared the champion or winner in a given sport or contest (1 Corinthians 9:24).

That’s what God does to you today in the Name of Jesus. By putting a crown on your head, He’s declaring you a champion – a winner!

He’s declaring you a king. He’s declaring you His priest. By serving in your position as God’s priest, you reign in life.

By taking charge in your various spheres of influence, you exercise dominion over creation.

By discipline and commitment in the race of faith, you wear the crown of glory. 

Rule in the midst of your enemies, says the Father of Glory.

Today, everything is under your feet.  God declares you crowned. Say a big Amen!

Prayer:

Almighty God, thank you for creating me in Your image so I could reign in life. Help me to exercise the authority and dominion that You have given me, for the glory of Your Name, Amen!