1. Alleluia. I had confidence, because of what I was saying, but then I was greatly humbled.
2. I said in my excess, “Every man is a liar.”
3. What shall I repay to the Lord, for all the things that he has repaid to me?
4. I will take up the cup of salvation, and I will call upon the name of the Lord.
5. I will repay my vows to the Lord, in the sight of all his people.
6. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his holy ones.
7. O Lord, because I am your servant, your servant and the son of your handmaid, you have broken my bonds.
8. I will sacrifice to you the sacrifice of praise, and I will invoke the name of the Lord.
9. I will repay my vows to the Lord in the sight of all his people,
10. in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Footnotes:
115:1 - The psalm begins with a declaration that glory belongs to God, not to men. The psalmist acknowledges that everything is for the praise and honor of God's name, not for human exaltation (see also Isaiah 42:8 and 1 Corinthians 10:31).
115:2-3 - The psalmist responds to the mockery of the nations who ask, "Where is your God?" by affirming that the Lord is in heaven and does whatever pleases him. This reinforces God's absolute sovereignty over all things (see also Psalm 135:6 and Daniel 4:35).
115:4-8 - The psalm contrasts the powerlessness of idols made by human hands with the power and life of the God of Israel. Idols are worthless, and those who trust in them become like them, lifeless and powerless (see also Isaiah 44:9-20 and 1 Corinthians 8:4-6).
115:9-11 - The psalmist calls Israel to trust in the Lord as their help and protection. This trust is an act of faith in a living God who is present and active in the lives of His people (see also Psalm 28:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6).
115:12-13 - God remembers His people and blesses those who fear the Lord, both small and great. God's blessing is promised to all who trust and reverence Him, without distinction (see also Psalm 103:17-18 and Luke 1:50).
Verses related to Psalms, 115:
Psalm 115 contrasts the living God with inanimate idols. Why trust exclusively in the Lord? This controversial psalm affirms the superiority of the God of Israel over the idols of the nations. The text emphasizes God's invisibility, power and faithfulness, encouraging trust in Him. Psalm 115 promotes monotheism and exclusive worship of the Lord. Consider with us five biblical passages that amplify the themes of true faith and idolatry addressed in this challenging psalm.
Isaiah 42:8: "I am the Lord; this is my name! I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to images." - This verse echoes the theme of Psalm 115:1 about giving glory to God alone.
Jeremiah 10:3-5: "For the customs of the people are empty: they cut down a tree in the forest, and an artisan works it with his chisel. They decorate it with silver and gold, and secure it with a hammer and nails so that it does not fall. Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field, your idols cannot speak; they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do any harm and they are not capable of doing any good." - This passage elaborates on the futility of idols, a central theme of Psalm 115:4-8.
Acts 14:15: "Gentlemen, why are you doing this? We are also human like you. We are bringing you the good news, telling you to turn away from these vain things and turn to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them." - Paul and Barnabas echo the sentiments of Psalm 115 when confronting idolatry in Lystra.
Deuteronomy 4:28: "There you will worship gods made by human hands, of wood and stone, who cannot see, hear, eat or smell." - Moses warns against idolatry in a similar way to Psalm 115:4-7.
1 Peter 1:18-19: "For you know that it was not with perishable things like silver or gold that you were redeemed from your empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but by the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish or blemish." - Peter contrasts redemption in Christ with the futility of idols, echoing themes from Psalm 115.
FAQ:
What does Psalm 115 say about the glory of God?
Psalm 115 emphasizes that glory belongs to God alone, and that He alone is worthy of worship, unlike idols, which are worthless and powerless. (Psalm 115:1-8)
How does Psalm 115 describe idols?
Psalm 115 describes idols as gods made by human hands, which have no power, eyes, or ears. They cannot help or save those who worship them. (Psalm 115:4-7)
What does Psalm 115 teach about trusting in God?
Psalm 115 teaches that we must trust in God, who is the only true Savior and Protector, while idols are worthless and cannot save. (Psalm 115:9-11)
Why does Psalm 115 exhort us to praise God?
Psalm 115 exhorts us to praise God because He is the sovereign Creator, worthy of honor, and His faithfulness ensures our protection and well-being. (Psalm 115:1, 9-11)
How does Psalm 115 guide us regarding the future?
Psalm 115 teaches us to trust in the Lord for our future, for He blesses the righteous and guides our path with mercy and faithfulness. (Psalm 115:12-15)
