Psalm 115 Meaning Explained
A polemic against idolatry and a confession of trust. 'Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory.' It contrasts the living God in heaven with dead idols of silver and gold—mouths that cannot speak, eyes that cannot see. Israel, Aaron’s house, and all who fear God are urged to trust in Him, their help and shield. The dead do not praise, but 'we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.'
A clear explanation of Psalm 115, its meaning, context, and message for believers today
Psalms Chapter 115 | KJV
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.
Historical Context
Psalm 115 reminds Israel that idols are powerless, while the LORD is supreme, faithful, and to be trusted.
Phrase by Phrase
- Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory: God alone is worthy of honor, not human efforts.
- Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands: Idols are man-made and powerless.
- Trust in the LORD, He is their help and shield: Encouragement to rely on God, not idols.
Application for Today
Believers can avoid false gods, trust God’s guidance, and give glory to His name.
FAQs
Q: What is the main theme of Psalm 115?
A: God’s sovereignty versus the futility of idols.
Q: Why not give glory to ourselves?
A: Because all honor belongs to God.
Q: How should believers respond?
A: Trust God and reject idols.
Q: How can this psalm apply today?
A: Rely on God and avoid idolatry.
Conclusion
Psalm 115 teaches trust in God, avoidance of idols, and giving glory to His name.
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