Psalms 115

Psalms 115:1-2

1. The need for God to vindicate Himself 115:1-2 The psalmist called on God to glorify Himself for His own sake, in contrast to glorifying His people. Evidently the pagan nations were ridiculing Yahweh for His inactivity.

The Christian statesman William Wilberforce marked the passing of his bill to abolish the slave trade in England by meditating on Psalms 115:1. [Note: Kidner, Psalms 73-150, p. 404.

Psalms 115:3-8

2. The contrast between Yahweh and the idols 115:3-8 Israel’s God was not on earth, as the idols were. He is in heaven, and He does whatever He pleases. The psalmist did not mean that Yahweh is capricious but that He is a free agent, independent of the actions of His worshippers. God is sovereign. In contrast, the gods Israel’s neighbors worshipped were human products made, in some cases, out of metal, even though costly metal. They had some of the attributes of human beings but were totally impotent and lifeless. All human beings tend to become like their God or gods. Idol worshippers become as powerless as their gods.

“Ultimately divine revelation is the difference between the religions of man and the true religion of the Lord.” [Note: VanGemeren, p. 721.

Psalms 115:9-11

3. The need for God’s people to trust Him 115:9-11 The psalmist called on all the Israelites to trust in the true God, rather than idols, because He alone can help and defend people. He addressed this charge to all Israel, then the priests who were mainly responsible for the purity of Israel’s worship, and then all God-fearing people. He used repetition to impress the importance of trusting in the Lord on the reader.

Psalms 115:12-15

Trust leads to blessing for all people. The writer made this connection by repeating the same groups (cf. Psalms 115:10-11 a and . Psalms 115:12-13 a). In bestowing blessing, God does not allow worldly greatness to influence Him; He is gracious to all. The psalmist wished God’s blessing on all His people. Since He made heaven and earth, He is able to bless, and His blessing can be abundant.

Psalms 115:16-18

The heavens are the Lord’s domain, not that of pagan gods. He owns them, and He has given the earth to man for his habitation. It is important for God’s people to praise Him while they live on the earth. After they die they cannot worship Him as they do now and so draw others to honor Him. Consequently the writer said he and the rest of the godly would bless the Lord forever. The final line calls everyone to praise Him. The contrasts between the true God and idols are indeed great. God’s people should review and appreciate these differences, and in this way worship Yahweh for His unique individuality (cf. Exodus 20:3).