Psalms 115

Chapter Summary

Psalms 115 begins with a declaration of trust in God, stating that His name is to be glorified and that He is the helper of the helpless. The psalmist then mocks the idols of the nations, describing them as mere silver and gold creations that cannot speak, see, or hear. In contrast, the God of Israel is the Creator of heaven and earth, who does whatever He pleases. The chapter concludes with a call to trust in God and a blessing on those who fear Him. Key verses include Psalms 115:1, Psalms 115:3, and Psalms 115:9.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 115 is part of a collection of psalms that emphasize the glory and power of God. It is likely that this psalm was written during a time of idolatry and spiritual darkness, when the people of Israel were tempted to turn to false gods. The chapter serves as a reminder of the one true God, who is the Creator of heaven and earth and the helper of the helpless. This theme is developed throughout the book of Psalms, which often contrasts the power and wisdom of God with the weakness and foolishness of human idols.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Psalms 115, we are reminded to trust in the one true God, who is the Creator of heaven and earth. We are called to reject the idols of our own hearts and to fear and reverence the living God. May we be blessed as we trust in Him and may our lives be a testimony to His power and glory.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 115 is a chapter that reminds us of the power and glory of the one true God. It contrasts God with the idols of the nations, which are mere creations of human hands. The chapter calls us to trust in God and to reject the idols of our own hearts. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of fearing and revering the living God, who is the Creator of heaven and earth. In Psalms 115:1, the psalmist declares that God's name is to be glorified, and in Psalms 115:3, we see that God is the one who does whatever He pleases.

Voices from the Church

“The glory of God is the ultimate end of all things, and the psalmist here declares that God's name is to be glorified. This is the highest aspiration of the believer, to see God's name exalted and His glory revealed.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The idols of the nations are mere creations of human hands, unable to see, hear, or act. They are a mockery of the one true God, who is the Creator of heaven and earth. We must reject these idols and trust in the living God, who is our helper and our Savior.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to God's Glory (Psalms 115:1-3) — The chapter begins by declaring that God's name is to be glorified and that He is the helper of the helpless. It then states that God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases, contrasting Him with the powerless idols of the nations.
2. The Folly of Idolatry (Psalms 115:4-8) — The psalmist mocks the idols of the nations, describing them as mere creations of human hands that cannot see, hear, or act. This is a stark contrast to the living God, who is the Creator of heaven and earth.
3. The Call to Trust (Psalms 115:9-11) — The chapter calls believers to trust in God, who is the helper of the helpless and the Creator of heaven and earth. This trust is rooted in God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Psalms 115:1 and Psalms 115:3.
4. The Blessing of God (Psalms 115:12-15) — The chapter concludes with a blessing on those who fear God, emphasizing the importance of reverence and obedience to Him. This blessing is rooted in God's covenant promise to Abraham, as seen in Psalms 115:12.
5. Conclusion (Psalms 115:16-18) — The chapter concludes with a declaration that the heavens are the Lord's, but the earth He has given to the sons of men. The psalmist then calls on the dead to praise the Lord, emphasizing the importance of worship and reverence for God.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

Psalms 115:3 teaches that God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases, emphasizing His power and freedom to act as He wills. This doctrine is central to the Reformed faith and is seen throughout the Bible, particularly in the book of Psalms.

The Folly of Idolatry

The chapter mocks the idols of the nations, describing them as mere creations of human hands that cannot see, hear, or act. This emphasizes the importance of rejecting idolatry and trusting in the one true God.

The Importance of Trust

The chapter calls believers to trust in God, who is the helper of the helpless and the Creator of heaven and earth. This trust is rooted in God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Psalms 115:1 and Psalms 115:3.

The Blessing of God

The chapter concludes with a blessing on those who fear God, emphasizing the importance of reverence and obedience to Him. This blessing is rooted in God's covenant promise to Abraham, as seen in Psalms 115:12.

Lessons from Psalms 115

1. The Importance of Reverence — Psalms 115:11 teaches us that those who fear the Lord will be blessed. This emphasizes the importance of reverence and obedience to God, who is the Creator of heaven and earth.
2. The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter mocks the idols of the nations, describing them as mere creations of human hands that cannot see, hear, or act. This warns us against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of trusting in the one true God.
3. The Power of Trust — The chapter calls believers to trust in God, who is the helper of the helpless and the Creator of heaven and earth. This trust is rooted in God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Psalms 115:1 and Psalms 115:3.
4. The Blessing of Obedience — The chapter concludes with a blessing on those who fear God, emphasizing the importance of reverence and obedience to Him. This blessing is rooted in God's covenant promise to Abraham, as seen in Psalms 115:12.
5. The Importance of Worship — The conclusion of the chapter in Psalms 115:16-18 emphasizes the importance of worship and reverence for God. This reminds us that our ultimate goal is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

Themes from Psalms 115

1. The Glory of God — The chapter emphasizes the power and glory of the one true God, who is the Creator of heaven and earth. This is seen in Psalms 115:1, where God's name is declared to be glorified.
2. The Folly of Idolatry — The psalmist mocks the idols of the nations, describing them as mere creations of human hands that cannot see, hear, or act. This emphasizes the importance of rejecting idolatry and trusting in the one true God.
3. The Importance of Trust — The chapter calls believers to trust in God, who is the helper of the helpless and the Creator of heaven and earth. This trust is rooted in God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Psalms 115:1 and Psalms 115:3.
4. The Blessing of God — The chapter concludes with a blessing on those who fear God, emphasizing the importance of reverence and obedience to Him. This blessing is rooted in God's covenant promise to Abraham, as seen in Psalms 115:12.
5. The Importance of Worship — The conclusion of the chapter in Psalms 115:16-18 emphasizes the importance of worship and reverence for God. This reminds us that our ultimate goal is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does Psalms 115:3 teach us about the sovereignty of God? How does this impact our trust in Him?
2. How does the psalmist describe the idols of the nations in Psalms 115:4-8? What does this reveal about the nature of idolatry?
3. What is the call to trust in Psalms 115:9-11? How is this trust rooted in God's sovereignty and power?
4. What is the blessing of God in Psalms 115:12-15? How is this blessing rooted in God's covenant promise to Abraham?
5. How does the conclusion of the chapter in Psalms 115:16-18 emphasize the importance of worship and reverence for God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 115

	Sermon	Description
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 11:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of seeking a face-to-face encounter with God. He emphasizes the need for believers to have a personal relationship with
	As You Go, Make Disciples by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the structure of the text. The main command or controlling verb is to make disciples, accompanied by three pa
	Broken Cisterns by Chuck Smith	This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping the true and living God, highlighting the dangers of seeking fulfillment in broken cisterns, which represent false beliefs and i
	Everything Is for the Glory of God by Jim Cymbala	This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everything is for God's glory and everything comes from God. It delves into the need for complete reliance on God for tran
	Humility by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humility in our daily lives. He uses a picture as an analogy to illustrate how our perception of ourselves can change when
	Pay Attention When God Speaks by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses how the plots of movies often involve sinful behaviors such as murder, deceit, fornication, and adultery. He argues that society's acceptance
	Willful Disobedience by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker begins with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to gather and worship God. The sermon focuses on the importance of believing in Jesus Chr
	2016 the Year of Answered Prayer by Carter Conlon	This sermon is a powerful call to prayer and faith in God for a transformative year ahead. It emphasizes the need for humility, desperate prayer, and a deep reliance on God's power
	Peachtree Baptist Church - Part 3 by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of entering through the straight gate, which represents Jesus Christ as the only way to heaven. He highlights that conservati
	The Worship of False Gods by Chuck Smith	This sermon delves into the concept of worship and the nature of false gods that people create, such as the pursuit of recognition, pleasure, money, and sex. It emphasizes the impo

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 115

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 115 emphasizes the glory and power of the one true God, who is the Creator of heaven and earth. He notes that the psalmist contrasts God with the idols of the nations, which are mere creations of human hands that cannot see, hear, or act. Henry also emphasizes the importance of trust in God, who is the helper of the helpless and the shield of the faithful. He concludes by noting that the blessing of God is rooted in His covenant promise to Abraham, and that those who fear the Lord will be blessed. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the importance of reverence and obedience to God, and the need to reject the idols of our own hearts and trust in the one true God. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?