1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth’s sake.
2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] now their God?
3 But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
4 Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
8 They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.
9 O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he [is] their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he [is] their help and their shield.
11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he [is] their help and their shield.
12 The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless [us]; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless them that fear the LORD, [both] small and great.
14 The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
15 Ye [are] blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.
16 The heaven, [even] the heavens, [are] the LORD’S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.
Overview of Psalm 115
Psalm 115 is a part of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, categorized as a psalm of praise and a declaration of faith. It emphasizes the greatness of God, contrasts Him with idols, and expresses trust in the Lord’s sovereignty and care for His people.
Thematic Elements
- Divine Sovereignty: The psalm underscores God’s authority over all creation.
- Contrast Between God and Idols: It highlights the futility of worshiping idols compared to the living God.
- Trust and Assurance: The psalmist expresses confidence in God’s protection and blessings for His people.
Structure of the Psalm
- Verses 1-2: A Call for God’s Glory
The psalm begins with a plea for God’s name to be glorified, emphasizing that it is not for the people’s sake but for His own glory.
- Verses 3-8: The Futility of Idols
This section contrasts the living God with the lifeless idols made by human hands, describing the characteristics of these idols and their inability to help.
- Verses 9-11: Trust in the Lord
The psalmist encourages Israel and the house of Aaron to trust in the Lord, who is their help and shield.
- Verses 12-15: God’s Faithfulness
Here, the psalmist reassures that God remembers His people and will bless them, highlighting His commitment to their well-being.
- Verses 16-18: The Eternal Nature of Praise
The psalm concludes with a reflection on the eternal nature of God’s people and the importance of praising Him while alive.
Key Verses and Analysis
- Verse 1: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory.”
This verse sets the tone for the psalm, emphasizing humility and the desire for God’s glory rather than personal acclaim.
- Verse 4: “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.”
This highlights the contrast between the living God and the man-made idols, underscoring the limitations of human craftsmanship.
- Verse 9: “O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.”
This is a direct exhortation to the people of Israel to place their trust in God, reinforcing the theme of divine protection.
- Verse 18: “But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.”
This closing statement serves as a commitment to ongoing praise, emphasizing the eternal nature of worship.
Theological Implications
- God’s Sovereignty: The psalm affirms God’s ultimate authority and control over all aspects of life.
- Idolatry: It serves as a warning against the worship of idols, pointing to the emptiness of such practices.
- Community and Faith: The psalm fosters a sense of communal faith and collective trust in God among His people.
Conclusion
Psalm 115 is a profound declaration of faith that contrasts the living God with the futility of idols, encouraging trust in God’s sovereignty and care. It serves as a reminder of the importance of glorifying God and the eternal nature of worship among His people.
