Psalms 115

This psalm gives all glory to the LORD alone and sets the living God against lifeless idols. It calls Israel, the priests, and all who fear God to trust Him, and it promises His blessing. It ends with the living praising the LORD forever.

Psalms 115:1

The psalm opens by pushing self away. Any good that has come to God’s people is not for their credit. The glory belongs to the LORD’s own name, because He has kept His covenant love and His word.

BSA: name (“Your reputation, character”): God’s name stands for who He is, so His people want His character to be seen and honored. faithfulness (“truth, reliability”): God can be counted on to do what He has said.

Hebrew: חַסְדְּךָ (chasdekha, H2617) — “your loyal, covenant love.” This word is more than kindness. It is love that stays true to a promise, even when people do not deserve it.

See also: Isaiah 48:11.

Psalms 115:2

The nations mock, asking where Israel’s God is. He cannot be seen, so He seems absent. The question is about God’s honor as well as Israel’s. The people ask Him to act so that His name is not shamed.

See also: Psalm 79:10.

Psalms 115:3

The answer to the mockers is simple. God is in heaven, high above all, and He is free and powerful. Nothing can stop what He wills. Unlike the idols, He is never stuck where human hands put Him.

BSA: pleases (“delights in, is pleased to do, has willed”): God acts from His own free delight, not under pressure from anyone.

See also: Psalm 135:5-6.

Psalms 115:4

Now the idols are described. They are made of the most precious metals, yet they are still only things that people have made. The maker is greater than what he makes, so an idol cannot be the true God.

BSA: hands (“power, direction”): The idol comes entirely from human skill and planning, so it cannot be greater than the people who made it.

See also: Isaiah 44:9-20.

Psalms 115:5-7

The psalm lists the parts of a body, mouth, eyes, ears, nose, hands, and feet, and says each one is useless. The idol has the shape of a living being but no life. It cannot speak, see, hear, touch, or move. It cannot even clear its throat.

Hebrew: יֶהְגּוּ (yehgu, H1897) — “they murmur, make a sound.” The word means a low sound made in the throat. The idols cannot manage even this faint noise, and the mocking tone is clear.

See also: Psalm 135:15-17.

Psalms 115:8

People grow like what they worship. Those who trust in dead things become spiritually dull themselves, unable to see, hear, or respond to what is real. We shape our lives by what we give our hearts to.

BSA: trust (“have faith, put confidence”): The danger is not only making idols but leaning one’s whole weight on them.

Psalms 115:9-11

In contrast, three groups are called to trust the LORD: all Israel, the priests, and those who fear Him. He is their help and their shield. The refrain repeats like a congregation answering together. The idols cannot help, but the living God does.

BSA: shield (“protector, defense”): God stands between His people and danger, and covers them. help (“assistant, supporter”): God comes alongside His people to give them strength.

See also: Psalm 33:20; Genesis 15:1.

Psalms 115:12-13

Trust is answered with blessing. The LORD remembers His people. He has not forgotten them and will bless Israel, the priests, and all who fear Him. The blessing reaches everyone, including those of low standing as well as the great.

BSA: mindful (“has remembered, keeps in mind”): When God remembers, He acts for His people. It is far more than a passing thought. alike (“together, as one”): No one is left out of God’s blessing because of rank or smallness.

See also: Genesis 8:1.

Psalms 115:14-15

A prayer of blessing is spoken over the people. May God make them grow, and their children with them. The blessing comes from the Maker of heaven and earth, so it has all His power behind it. It is not a mere wish.

BSA: Maker (“Creator, One who brings into being”): The One who made everything has more than enough power to bless.

See also: Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 121:2.

Psalms 115:16

God’s own dwelling is the highest heavens, yet He gave the earth to human beings to care for. We live in a world He has entrusted to us. This shows His kindness and the dignity He gives to people.

BSA: given (“bestowed, entrusted”): The earth is a trust from God, and we remain accountable to Him for it.

See also: Genesis 1:28.

Psalms 115:17

The dead no longer offer praise on earth. In the Old Testament view, death looks like silence and the end of worship among the living. So the psalmist treasures the gift of life, since life is the time to give God praise.

BSA: silence (“stillness, quiet, or the place of death”): Death is pictured as a place where voices stop.

Hebrew: דּוּמָה (dumah, H1745) — “silence.” This word pictures the hush of the grave. It is the opposite of the glad noise of worship.

See also: Psalm 6:5; Isaiah 38:18.

Psalms 115:18

The psalm ends with a firm choice. We who live will bless the LORD, now and always. Praise is what life is for. It ends as it began, with all the glory going to God. Hallelujah means praise the LORD.

BSA: Hallelujah (“praise the LORD, celebrate”): It is a shout inviting everyone to join in praising God.

See also: Psalm 146:2.