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Psalms, 115

1. Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake.

1. Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, for the sake of your love and faithfulness.

2. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] now their God?

2. Why should the pagans say, "Where is their God?"

3. But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

3. There in heaven is our God; whatever he wishes, he does.

4. Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

4. Not so the hand-made idols, crafted in silver and gold.

5. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:

5. They have mouths that cannot speak, eyes that cannot see,

6. They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:

6. ears that cannot hear, noses that cannot smell.

7. They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.

7. They have hands but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk; neither can they make a sound in their throat.

8. They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

8. Their makers will be like them, so will all who trust in them.

9. O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he [is] their help and their shield.

9. O Israel, trust in the Lord; he is your help and your shield!

10. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he [is] their help and their shield.

10. You, family of Aaron, trust in the Lord; he is your help and your shield!

11. Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he [is] their help and their shield.

11. You who fear the Lord, trust in him; he is your help and your 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.

12. The Lord remembers us and will bless us; he will bless the family of Israel; he will bless the family of Aaron;

13. He will bless them that fear the LORD, [both] small and great.

13. he will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great.

14. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

14. May the Lord shower blessings, on you and your children as well.

15. Ye [are] blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.

15. May you be blessed by the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth.

16. The heaven, [even] the heavens, [are] the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.

16. Heaven belongs to the Lord, but the earth he has given to humans.

17. The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

17. It is not the dead who praise the Lord, for they have gone down to silence;

18. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

18. but it is we, the living, who bless the Lord, from now on and forever.



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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)


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