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Psalms 115:16
Verse
Context
Sermons
Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's,.... Not only the visible heavens, the airy and starry regions, which are within our sight; but the heaven of heavens, the third heaven, into which the Apostle Paul was caught, and heard and saw things not to be uttered; and which is, as the Targum expresses it, "for the majesty of the glory of the Lord:'' he is the maker, owner, proprietor, and possessor of them all: but the third heaven is more especially the seat of his majesty; where he has prepared the throne of his glory, where he keeps court; where his ministers, his angels, wait upon him, observe his orders, and execute his will; and which he has prepared for his saints to dwell with him in to all eternity. But the earth hath he given to the children of men; to Adam and his posterity, to dwell in it, to till it, and enjoy the fruits of it; yet so as not to leave it entirely to the care of men, and have no concern in it, and the affairs of it, as some licentious persons would from hence conclude; as if God had took the heavens to himself, and only minded the persons and things in that, and never concerned himself about the earth, and persons and things there; having disposed of it to the children of men, and left it to their conduct: for though he has given it to them for their use, yet he has still a claim upon it, and can and does dispose of it, and order all things in it, according to his pleasure; and men, from the highest to the lowest, are accountable to him, being but stewards, and at most but deputies and viceroys, under him: besides the words may be rendered, "and the earth which he hath given to the children of men" (a); that is his also, as well as the heavens. This the Lord gives to the children of men as their portion; and sad is the case of such, when this is their all; but to his own children he gives heaven, the kingdom of heaven, eternal glory and happiness. Maimonides (b) gives the sense of the whole passage thus; "God only perfectly knows the truth, nature, substance, form, motion, and causes of the heavens: and to man he has given, that he may understand what are under the heavens; because they are the world, and as it were his house, in which he dwells, and of which he is a part.'' (a) So Junius & Tremellius. (b) Moreh Nevochim, par. 2. c. 24. p. 256.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
115:16-18 The heavens belong to the Lord:’s: God’s exaltation begins in heaven (113:4), far above the gods of the nations. Of course, the earth also belongs to him (47:9; 95:4). • The dead cannot participate in God’s blessings. The living praise God in thanksgiving for his blessings (79:13).
Psalms 115:16
To Your Name Be the Glory
15May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 16The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind. 17It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Sevenfold Beauty of Jesus Ruling the Earth
By Mike Bickle241:02:01Spiritual WarfareThe Humanity of ChristPSA 115:16ISA 33:17ISA 44:2MRK 9:24LUK 4:6ROM 1:4EPH 3:161TI 3:16REV 5:12REV 21:3Mike Bickle explores the profound significance of Revelation 5, emphasizing the sevenfold beauty of Jesus as He rules the earth. He highlights that Jesus, fully God and fully man, is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing, not just as God but as an anointed human. This understanding inspires a deeper adoration and loyalty towards Jesus, as He is the only one capable of fulfilling the divine plan to cleanse the earth and invite the Father back. Bickle encourages believers to recognize the implications of Jesus' humanity and His role in spiritual warfare against the Antichrist, asserting that the declaration of His worthiness is a powerful tool in the hands of the Church.
Millennial Kingdom: Every Nation Will Be Fully Discipled
By Mike Bickle241:06:10Millennial KingdomDiscipleship of NationsPSA 115:16ISA 11:9EZK 33:7AMO 3:7MAT 24:14MAT 28:19PHP 2:9COL 1:18REV 5:12REV 20:4Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the Millennial Kingdom, a future period where Jesus will reign on earth, fully discipling every nation in righteousness. He clarifies the confusion surrounding the concept of discipling nations, explaining that it involves not just evangelism but the transformation of every societal institution to align with God's will. Bickle highlights that this kingdom will prepare the earth for the Father's presence, requiring a unified cry from nations for Jesus to return. He encourages believers to understand their role in this divine plan and to actively participate in the Great Commission until its fulfillment. The sermon calls for a high vision of what God desires for the earth, urging the church to prepare for the glorious reality of Christ's reign.
Speak Boldly: Being a Faithful Witness
By Mike Bickle2057:20Faithful WitnessBoldness in TruthPSA 115:16ISA 19:22JER 23:24EZK 33:3DAN 11:33MAT 24:14JHN 7:242TI 3:17REV 1:5REV 22:20Mike Bickle emphasizes the critical role of being a faithful witness to the truth, drawing from Revelation 1:5 to illustrate Jesus as the ultimate faithful witness. He discusses the challenges and costs associated with speaking boldly about the truth, highlighting the need for personal insight and a deep connection to God's word. Bickle warns against the temptation to only share positive messages, urging believers to also expose lies and announce prophetic warnings. He stresses the importance of a covenant community that cries out for God's intervention in their nations, preparing for the return of Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a generation of witnesses who will faithfully proclaim the full message of the kingdom, including both its blessings and judgments.
Psalm 115
By Henry Law0PSA 115:1PSA 115:4PSA 115:9PSA 115:12PSA 115:16Henry Law preaches on the acknowledgment of man's utter nothingness and the all-encompassing power of God. He emphasizes the vanity of idols and the importance of placing all confidence in God alone. Despite the heathen's mockery and reliance on lifeless idols, God reigns in the heavens and works all things according to His will. Law urges Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the Lord to trust in Him as their help and shield, promising blessings for those who put their faith in God.
Of the Honour and Happiness of Man in a State of Innocence.
By John Gill0InnocenceDivine ProvisionGEN 2:8PSA 115:16PRO 3:18ISA 45:18LUK 23:43EPH 5:31REV 22:2John Gill emphasizes the honor and happiness of man in a state of innocence, focusing on Adam's creation and his placement in the Garden of Eden. He describes how Adam was endowed with wisdom, knowledge, and the responsibility to cultivate the garden, which was a symbol of God's provision and care. The sermon highlights the significance of Adam's communion with God, the joy of his labor, and the creation of Eve as a partner, illustrating the divine intention for companionship and community. Gill also reflects on the deeper spiritual implications of these events, connecting them to the nature of Christ and the church. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the ideal state of humanity before the fall, marked by harmony with God and creation.
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's,.... Not only the visible heavens, the airy and starry regions, which are within our sight; but the heaven of heavens, the third heaven, into which the Apostle Paul was caught, and heard and saw things not to be uttered; and which is, as the Targum expresses it, "for the majesty of the glory of the Lord:'' he is the maker, owner, proprietor, and possessor of them all: but the third heaven is more especially the seat of his majesty; where he has prepared the throne of his glory, where he keeps court; where his ministers, his angels, wait upon him, observe his orders, and execute his will; and which he has prepared for his saints to dwell with him in to all eternity. But the earth hath he given to the children of men; to Adam and his posterity, to dwell in it, to till it, and enjoy the fruits of it; yet so as not to leave it entirely to the care of men, and have no concern in it, and the affairs of it, as some licentious persons would from hence conclude; as if God had took the heavens to himself, and only minded the persons and things in that, and never concerned himself about the earth, and persons and things there; having disposed of it to the children of men, and left it to their conduct: for though he has given it to them for their use, yet he has still a claim upon it, and can and does dispose of it, and order all things in it, according to his pleasure; and men, from the highest to the lowest, are accountable to him, being but stewards, and at most but deputies and viceroys, under him: besides the words may be rendered, "and the earth which he hath given to the children of men" (a); that is his also, as well as the heavens. This the Lord gives to the children of men as their portion; and sad is the case of such, when this is their all; but to his own children he gives heaven, the kingdom of heaven, eternal glory and happiness. Maimonides (b) gives the sense of the whole passage thus; "God only perfectly knows the truth, nature, substance, form, motion, and causes of the heavens: and to man he has given, that he may understand what are under the heavens; because they are the world, and as it were his house, in which he dwells, and of which he is a part.'' (a) So Junius & Tremellius. (b) Moreh Nevochim, par. 2. c. 24. p. 256.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
115:16-18 The heavens belong to the Lord:’s: God’s exaltation begins in heaven (113:4), far above the gods of the nations. Of course, the earth also belongs to him (47:9; 95:4). • The dead cannot participate in God’s blessings. The living praise God in thanksgiving for his blessings (79:13).