Psalm 115

Psalm Category: Public praises to God

Central Thought: The Lord alone is worthy of ultimate trust and praise.

Keywords: idols (vv. 4-8, see 2, 17); heavens (vv. 3, 15-16); trust (vv. 9-11); bless (vv. 9-11, 18)

Introduction

The theme of public praise continues in Psalm 115 as part of the Hallel (“the praise;” Psalms 113–118). All these were very familiar psalms as they were used in the Passover as well as in the feasts of weeks, booths, new moon and dedication. See articles on the previous psalms in this series for details.

The One True and Living God (vv. 1-15)

This theme is very prominent in the Scriptures (e.g., Deut. 6:4; 1 Thess. 1:9). The psalmist starts with a fundamental contrast of piety: “You are God; I am not,” with glory due accordingly (v. ). The great motive of this praise from God’s people is His covenant commitment and His faithfulness to it (v. 1; Ps. 117:2). The next contrast is between the idolatrous nations who think we don’t have a god because they can’t see Him, and the church that confesses that our covenant God is above all created definitions and limitations (vv. 2-3). Our God is in the heavens; their gods are from the earth (vv. 3-4; Eph. 1:18-23). Our God makes promises and keeps them (vv. 1, 3). Their gods make promises but cannot keep them (vv. 5-7; 135:15-18). They have mouths, but can’t speak (v. 5) or even make a sound (v. 7).

It is observed that people often look like the dogs they choose, such as the tall, slender blonde woman with an Afghan and the short, squat man with a pug. Similarly, those who make idols will become idle (v. 8; Jer. 2:5); those who trust images of beasts will become bestial (v. 8; Rom. 1:21-32). Those who worship and serve the things they make are fools (v. 8; Isa. 44:9-20); those who worship and serve the One who made them are wise (v. 15; Rom. 1:20). Consequently, the psalmist urges the people of God (Israel; vv. 9, 12) to trust and bless Him who made all things (vv. 9-15, 18), from those closest to Him (high priests of Aaron’s household; vv. 10, 12), to all who fear Him, perhaps including the Gentiles (i.e., God-fearers; vv. 11, 13; see John 9:31; Acts 10:22). The Lord is to be trusted and praised because He keeps His people in mind in order to bless them (vv. 1, 12; see Ex. 2:24; 6:5). He provides for and protects them (help and shield; vv. 9-11). As He blesses those near and far (Aaron and those who fear; vv. 10-13; Eph. 2:13), He also blesses the small with the great (v. 13); young with old, children with parents (v. 14), poor with rich (Deut. 15:4; Eph. 4:28), slaves with masters (Deut. 15:12; Gal. 3:28), and women with men (Lev. 22:12, 13; Gal. 3:28).

A particular encouragement is that this blessing from God involves increase (v. 14). This includes posterity (v. 14; Gen. 1:28) and prosperity (Deut. 7:13; Ps. 144:12-15). It also includes the confident expectation of the health, growth and multiplication of our congregations (Matt. 16:18; Acts 6:7; 1 Cor. 3:6). Consequently, if your congregation is blessed with conversions and increase, praise God who has given these things. If your congregation is not now so blessed, pray to God who will give you increase. This prayer for increase (v. 14) is not a mere wish. It is a presentation of His promise to Him who is praised for His faithfulness in fulfilling it (vv. 1, 14).

Conclusion (vv. 16-18)

The heavens are the immediate domain of the sovereign, omnipotent Lord (v. 16; Isa. 66:1; Matt. 6:10) and He rules the earth through man as His intermediary (v. 16; Gen. 1:28). Dead idols, and those who make and trust them, do not and cannot praise this Lord (vv. 8, 4-7, 17). But those who trust Him who made them can and do praise Him (vv. 1-3, 15, 18). And, because He is the One, true, living and eternal God, those who trust Him who made them will be like Him in praising Him forever (v. 18). Praise the Lord! (v. 18).

—Kit Swartz