Psalm 115
Psalms were written for specific purposes or to commemorate specific events. This psalm may have been written as a prayer to the Lord in the face of invading enemies, who placed their confidence in their heathen idols. In spite of the invader’s successes, Israel is still to trust in the Lord.
Who is the real god of the universe? Is it the God of Israel or the idols of the heathen? Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal conclusively answered this question. However, when worshipers of idols invaded Israel and boasted that their gods are stronger than the God of Israel, believers may be tempted to doubt. Psalm 115 is a cry for help to the one true God against this enemy.
Verses 1 to 2: Even amid the afflictions of life, believers ascribe glory to God that His attributes and mighty works may be shown to all people. God is praised for His mercy—His free, unmerited favor, and His truth—and God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises. God’s people should be concerned about God’s glory and His name—that is, the attributes and His revelation—that declares God’s mercy and truth. In contrast, the enemies mock Israel by saying, “Where is their God?” This taunt was used by the messengers of Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, in his campaign against King Hezekiah (read Isaiah 36:15-20). God may allow evil, but He promises to do good to those who trust in Him.
In section two (verses 3 to 8), the author contrasts the true God with heathen idols. The One lives, the other is dead. The One does what He pleases, the other can do nothing. The One is in heaven, the other is made of silver and gold. Though the idols are given mouths, eyes, ears, noses, hands, feet, and throat—none of these work, nor are they able to help those who call upon them. [These sentiments are expressed in other passages—read Psalm 135:15-17, Isaiah 44:9-17, and Jeremiah 10:3-6.] Those who make idols are like them because they are devoid of true understanding since, “…they exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” (Romans 1:25).
Given this contrast, the admonition in verses 9-11 becomes stronger: “trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.” Believers can depend on God to help even in impossible situations and to protect His children. This does not mean that believers are shielded from the troubles and events in the world, but that God preserves their faith in the Messiah and eventually takes them to heaven. Israel, the Levites (house of Aaron), and all who fear (worship) the Lord God—all are to know that God will shield them from evil.
Section four (verses 12 to 13) speaks of God’s blessing His people. Even though the enemies of the Church boast and seem to conquer God’s people, believers are to trust that “God is mindful of us” and will “bless the house of Israel,” that is, those who fear and trust in God as their Creator and Redeemer and Sanctifier.
The next two verses (14 to 15) are a prayer to God asking that He would bless His people. We can never have too much of God’s grace and mercy. For we sin daily and need His forgiveness. We are daily attacked by the devil and the world, and need His strength to resist them. The psalmist’s prayer for increase is that the Church may grow in numbers of believers and that they and their children grow in faith and trust in God. Idols can bless no one; but God, who created heaven and earth, is able and willing to bless all those who trust in His salvation.
The last section (verses 16 to 18) gives further reason to praise God. The heavens (the universe and God’s heavenly throne) belong to the Lord God, who controls them all. From heaven God helps His people. God gave the earth to the children of men—to enjoy its blessings and to praise Him as their Provider. There is none to praise God among the spiritual dead—both those who live on earth and those who are in the graves. But believers —even in the face of troubles and mockery—will bless God “from this time forth and forevermore,” that is, from now into eternity. For God has decreed that He has given salvation through His Son’s death, so that all who believe on Jesus have God’s forgiveness of their sins and eternal life. We should also sing Hallelujah—”Praise the Lord,” for He is good.
