Psalms 115

Psalms 115:1-18

Powerless Idols; Our Powerful God Psalms 115:1-18 Evidently this psalm was intended to be sung by various voices: Psalms 115:1-8 by the whole congregation in unison, while the sacrifice was being offered; Psalms 115:9-11, by a solo voice giving the first line of each couplet, the whole audience chanting the refrain; Psalms 115:12-15, by the priest as a benediction; Psalms 115:16-18, by the whole congregation, which now breaks into glad hallelujahs. It was composed during the early days of the return from Babylon, when the small groups of settlers were surrounded by the jeers and scoffs of their enemies. This was their reply, as they brought out the scathing contrast between the idols of their neighbors and the majesty of Jehovah. We are reminded of Isaiah’ s description of an idol factory. The idols had outward semblance and no power. Jehovah had no outward semblance, but all power. Let us take to heart the threefold invitation to faith in Psalms 115:9-11, and reckon on God as our help in the battle and our shield against our foes. The smallest may get his blessing as well as the greatest, Psalms 115:13. We can never impose a strain on the resources of God, however great our demands.

Not unto us, O Lord! Another of the Psalms which date from the Captivity era. We may divide it thus:– Psalms 115:1., Ascription; Psalms 115:2-7, God (Elohim), contrasted with heathen Deities; Psalms 115:8, A portrait of idolaters; Psalms 115:9-11, Exhortation; Psalms 115:12-15, Assurance; Psalms 115:16-18, Resolution.

Psalms 115:1. Not unto us, O Lord! It would eliminate from success and praise their power to harm us, if we would give from the heart, utterance to those noble words. God’s mercy and truth are indissoluble.

Psalms 115:2-3. Where is their God? Those accustomed to some visible embodiment of God are always amazed at spiritual worship (John 4:24). Pompey, we are told, was very surprised to find nothing in the most Holy Place. God’s good pleasure is never arbitrary, but always conditioned by the highest welfare of his creatures. Let us ask Him to work that pleasure out in us that we may please Him! (Hebrews 13:21; Hebrews 11:5).

Psalms 115:4-7. Their idols This sarcastic description recalls the searching passage in Isaiah 44:9-19.

Psalms 115:8 They that make them A very striking thought is given in these words. We resemble our ideals. We become like what we worship. And though we may not be now tempted to prostrate ourselves before the idols of the heathen, yet there are idols which may fascinate us (1 Corinthians 10:14; Colossians 3:5; 1 John 5:21). We ’ must not trust gold or success or any earthly thing, but God in Christ, till we become like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Psalms 115:9-11. Trust in the Lord! A triple appeal for trust, addressed to the congregation. The priests and perhaps the proselytes (Rth 2:12). The greatest cannot do without God. The least may appropriate Him. Trust in taking what God gives. “Help” and “shield” together make a very assuring combination. The one for succour in every moment of need; the other for defense.

Psalms 115:12-13. The Lord will bless! Here is a triple answer to the triple appeal. And we are surely at liberty to argue from the past to the future. What God has done, that He will do. Trust Him!

Psalms 115:15. Ye are blessed of the Lord! Then let him curse who may. We have but to turn back to Abraham’s life to see what God’s blessing includes (Genesis 12:2-3; see also Numbers 6:22-27). And we who believe must be blessed, if the Maker of all things blesses us. The lot of God’s children may seem arduous and darksome, but it is a blessed one. In Him is our peace and rest.

Psalms 115:17. The dead praise not Views of the were but partial to the Old Testament saints (2 Timothy 1:10). We have now an opportunity, which even heaven does not present, of praising God amid the obloquy and hate of men. Let his praise be the more hearty and continuous in proportion to their anathemas.