◄ Psalm 115 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
To Your Name Be the Glory (Psalm 135:1–21) 1Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness. 2Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. 4Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. 5They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; 6they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; 7they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats.a 8Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. 9O Israel,b trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. 10O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. 11You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. 12The LORD is mindful of us; He will bless us. He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron; 13He will bless those who fear the LORD— small and great alike. 14May the LORD give you increase, both you and your children. 15May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 16The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind. 17It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence. 18But it is we who will bless the LORD, both now and forevermore. Hallelujah!c Footnotes: 7 a Literally they cannot utter with their throat 9 b MT; many Hebrew manuscripts, LXX, and Syriac O house of Israel 18 c Or Hallelu YAH, meaning Praise the LORD Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 115 Summary To Your Name Be the Glory Verses 1–3 – Glory to God Alone The psalm opens with a double refusal of self-glory and an emphatic transfer of all praise to the LORD because of His loyal love and faithfulness. By asking, “Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’,” the singers voice the taunt of pagan onlookers and immediately counter it: “Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.” Verses 4–8 – Idols Exposed and Rejected In vivid, almost satirical language, the psalmist dismantles the power of idols. They are precious metal statues—beautiful but useless. They possess mouths, eyes, ears, noses, hands, and feet, yet remain lifeless. Those who craft and trust them “become like them,” empty and powerless. Verses 9–11 – Call to Trust Three concentric circles—Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the LORD—hear the same invitation: “trust in the LORD.” He alone is “their help and shield,” capable of real rescue and protection. Verses 12–15 – Promise of Blessing The worshipers are assured that God “is mindful of us.” Blessing is promised for Israel, for the priestly house, and for every reverent heart, regardless of status: “small and great alike.” A prayer follows for generational increase and abundant favor from “the Maker of heaven and earth.” Verses 16–18 – Living Praise Forever Heaven is God’s throne, earth His gift to humanity. The dead cannot praise, but the living covenant community can—and will—forever: “Hallelujah!” Psalm 115 is a passionate call to recognize the true God's unmatched sovereignty, contrasting the living God with inanimate idols. This beautiful Psalm underscores the folly of idolatry, encourages unwavering trust in God, and outlines the blessings that await those who choose to fear and trust the Lord. Authorship and Setting No inscription names an author, yet Psalm 115 sits in the Egyptian Hallel collection (Psalm 113–118), sung at Passover. Its language fits a post-exilic setting when ridicule from surrounding nations stung freshly, but its themes reach any era where God’s people face pagan mockery. Literary Structure and Flow 1. Glory to God alone (vv. 1–3) 2. Contrast with lifeless idols (vv. 4–8) 3. Triple call to trust (vv. 9–11) 4. Assurance of blessing (vv. 12–15) 5. Heaven-earth contrast and eternal praise (vv. 16–18) Parallelism, repetition (“help and shield”), and crescendo from taunt to hallelujah give the psalm its energy. Key Themes • Exclusive glory belonging to God (Isaiah 42:8). • God’s sovereign freedom (“He does as He pleases,” compare Daniel 4:35). • Futility of idols, echoed in Isaiah 44:9-20 and Jeremiah 10:3-5. • Trust as the dividing line between life and emptiness. • Blessing that flows through families (Genesis 17:7; Acts 2:39). • Living praise opposed to the silence of death (Psalm 6:5; 30:9). The Drama of Idols vs. the Living God Ancient Near Eastern idols were often plated wood forms. Even the finest—like Ugaritic silver figurines—relied on priests to “open their mouths” in rituals before worshipers believed the spirit world inhabited them. The psalm strips away every illusion: they remain inert objects. In contrast, the God of Israel speaks, sees, hears, smells the pleasing aroma of sacrifice, acts with His hand, and walks among His people (Leviticus 26:12). The Repeated Call to Trust The triple summons widens from nation to priesthood to global God-fearers, foretelling the gospel’s reach. Romans 1:16 will call it “first for the Jew, then for the Greek.” Each group receives the same promise—God as “help and shield,” phrases recalling Genesis 15:1 and Psalm 33:20. Blessing and Multiplication: Covenant Echoes Verse 14, “May the LORD give you increase, both you and your children,” picks up the covenant promise to Abraham (Genesis 22:17). The psalm expects tangible, generational fruitfulness grounded in God’s remembrance (Psalm 98:3). Heaven and Earth in Biblical Thought “The highest heavens belong to the LORD” (v. 16) anchors God’s transcendence; “the earth He has given to mankind” reaffirms Genesis 1:28. Humanity stewards a granted realm, not an autonomous sphere. Acts 17:24–28 draws on this idea when Paul tells Athenians that God “gives to all life and breath and everything else.” Life, Death, and Praise Verses 17–18 contrast the silence of Sheol with the ongoing worship of the living. While the Old Testament view of afterlife is shadowy, the psalmist stresses that now is the time to bless the LORD. Revelation 14:13 will broaden the vision, but the urgency remains: praise while breath remains. Archaeological Spotlight: Ancient Near Eastern Idols • Excavations at Hazor and Megiddo reveal basalt statues with eroded mouths—mute stone images eerily aligned with verses 5–7. • Gold-plated calf figurines from Late Bronze sites show how raw materials of wealth became objects of worship (Exodus 32). • In contrast, no physical representation of Israel’s God exists; His presence rested on the invisible mercy seat in the temple’s Most Holy Place (Exodus 25:22). Connections to Other Scriptures • Exodus 32—golden calf narrative parallels the foolishness described in vv. 4–8. • Deuteronomy 4:28 warns Israel they will choose gods “that neither see nor hear nor eat.” • 1 Samuel 12:21—Samuel says, “Do not turn aside after empty things.” • Psalm 135:15-18 echoes the same idol critique, likely sharing antiphonal use in temple worship. • Isaiah 26:12 connects God’s action with resulting peace, akin to the psalm’s “help and shield.” • Malachi 3:6 underscores God’s unchanging faithfulness, grounding the blessing promises. New Testament Resonance • Acts 17:29—Paul’s Areopagus sermon quotes the idol theme. • 1 Corinthians 8:4—“We know that an idol is nothing in the world.” • Hebrews 13:6 echoes the psalm’s confidence in God as helper. • Revelation 19:1-6 concludes with the same “Hallelujah” the psalm ends on, extending the call to eternal praise. Practical Takeaways • Redirect credit: success invites self-congratulation, but verse 1 resets the focus. • Identify modern idols: anything treasured above obedience to God fits the description. • Teach the next generation: verses 12-15 remind parents that blessing is meant to overflow. • Live vocal praise now: verses 17-18 challenge believers not to wait for a “better time” to worship. Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 44:9-20 This passage also addresses the futility of idols and the foolishness of idol worship, reinforcing the message of Psalm 115. Jeremiah 10:5-6 Jeremiah contrasts the lifeless idols with the greatness of God, similar to the themes in Psalm 115. Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, aligning with the call to trust in God rather than material things. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 Paul commends the Thessalonians for turning from idols to serve the living and true God, echoing the transformation encouraged in Psalm 115. Teaching Points Glory to God Alone The psalm begins with a call to give glory to God, not to us. Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness (Psalm 115:1). This sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing God's worthiness of praise. The Futility of Idols Verses 4-8 describe the idols of the nations as silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes but cannot see. The psalmist highlights the impotence of idols, contrasting them with the living God. Trust in the Lord The psalm repeatedly calls Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the Lord to trust in Him. O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield (Psalm 115:9). Trusting in God is presented as the antidote to idolatry. God's Blessing and Remembrance Verses 12-15 assure us that the Lord remembers and blesses those who fear Him. The psalmist emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people, promising increase and blessing. The Living Praise God The psalm concludes with a call to praise the Lord, noting that the dead do not praise Him. But we will bless the LORD, both now and forevermore. Hallelujah! (Psalm 115:18). This underscores the privilege and responsibility of the living to worship God. Practical Applications Evaluate Your Trust Reflect on areas of your life where you may be placing trust in idols rather than in God. Consider how you can shift your focus to trust in the Lord more fully. Praise God Daily Make it a daily practice to give glory to God for His loving devotion and faithfulness. Start your day by acknowledging His goodness and sovereignty. Encourage Others to Trust Share the message of Psalm 115 with friends or family who may be struggling with misplaced trust. Encourage them to rely on God as their help and shield. Live as a Testimony Let your life be a testimony of God's faithfulness. As you trust in Him, allow others to see the peace and joy that comes from a relationship with the living God. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in the Psalm, the LORD is the one to whom glory is due, as stated in verse 1: "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness." The Hebrew name used here is Yahweh, emphasizing God's covenantal relationship with Israel. 2. Israel Referred to in verse 9: "O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield." Israel represents the collective people of God, the descendants of Jacob, who are called to trust in the LORD. 3. House of Aaron Mentioned in verse 10: "O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield." The house of Aaron refers to the priestly lineage, the descendants of Aaron, who served in the temple and were responsible for the spiritual leadership of Israel. 4. Those who fear the LORD Addressed in verse 11: "You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield." This group includes all who have reverence and respect for God, extending beyond ethnic Israel to all who acknowledge His sovereignty. 5. The Dead Mentioned indirectly in verse 17: "It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence." This reference highlights those who have passed away and are unable to praise God, contrasting with the living who are called to worship Him. Places 1. Heaven Psalm 115:3 states, "Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases." The Hebrew word for heaven is "שָׁמַיִם" (shamayim), which often refers to the dwelling place of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. 2. Earth In Psalm 115:16, it says, "The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind." The Hebrew word for earth is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), indicating the physical realm where humans reside and have been given stewardship by God. Events 1. Call for God's Glory The psalm begins with a plea for God to be glorified, not for the sake of the people, but because of His love and faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) emphasizes the weightiness and honor due to God. "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness." (Psalm 115:1) 2. Question of the Nations The psalmist notes that the nations question the presence and power of Israel's God, asking, "Where is their God?" This reflects a common challenge faced by the Israelites from surrounding peoples. "Why should the nations say, 'Where is their God?'" (Psalm 115:2) 3. Affirmation of God's Sovereignty The psalmist affirms that God is in heaven and does whatever pleases Him, highlighting His sovereignty and authority over all creation. "Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases." (Psalm 115:3) 4. Description of Idols The psalm contrasts the living God with lifeless idols made by human hands, which have mouths but cannot speak, eyes but cannot see, and so on. The Hebrew word for "idols" (אֱלִילִים, elilim) suggests worthlessness. "Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men." (Psalm 115:4) 5. Futility of Idols The psalmist emphasizes the futility of idols, stating that those who make them and trust in them will become like them—lifeless and powerless. "Those who make them will be like them, as will all who trust in them." (Psalm 115:8) 6. Call to Trust in the Lord The psalm calls on Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the Lord to trust in Him as their help and shield. The Hebrew word for "trust" (בָּטַח, batach) conveys a sense of confidence and reliance. "O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield." (Psalm 115:9) 7. Blessing and Remembrance The psalmist assures the people that the Lord remembers them and will bless them, including both small and great. This reflects God's covenant faithfulness. "The LORD remembers us and will bless us. He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron;" (Psalm 115:12) 8. Heaven and Earth The psalm acknowledges that the heavens belong to the Lord, but He has given the earth to mankind, indicating a divine order and stewardship. "The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind." (Psalm 115:16) 9. Praise from the Living The psalm concludes with a declaration that the dead do not praise the Lord, but the living will bless Him forever, emphasizing the importance of life in worship. "It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence." (Psalm 115:17) Lessons from Psalm 115 1. Trust in the Lord, Not Idols Psalm 115:4-5 reminds us, "Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see." This passage highlights the futility of placing our trust in anything other than God. In a world filled with distractions and false promises, remember that only the Lord is worthy of our trust. He is the living God who hears, sees, and acts on our behalf. 2. God is Our Help and Shield Verse 9 of Psalm 115 declares, "O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield." This is a powerful reminder that God is not only our protector but also our helper in times of need. When life gets overwhelming, lean on Him. He is always ready to provide strength and protection, guiding us through life's challenges. 3. The Lord Deserves All Glory Psalm 115:1 states, "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your truth." This verse teaches us the importance of humility and giving credit where it is due. Our achievements and successes are not ours alone; they are gifts from God. Let us always remember to glorify Him in all we do. 4. God is Sovereign Over All Verse 3 proclaims, "Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases." This is a comforting truth that God is in control, no matter the circumstances. His plans are perfect, and His will is unshakeable. Trust in His sovereignty, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. 5. The Futility of Idolatry Psalm 115:8 warns, "Those who make them will be like them, as will all who trust in them." This verse serves as a caution against idolatry, reminding us that we become like what we worship. By focusing on God, we are transformed into His likeness, reflecting His love and truth in our lives. 6. God Blesses Those Who Fear Him Verse 13 promises, "He will bless those who fear the LORD—small and great alike." This is an encouraging reminder that God's blessings are not reserved for a select few. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, God’s blessings are available to all who revere Him. Embrace a life of reverence and watch His blessings unfold. 7. The Earth is Given to Mankind Psalm 115:16 states, "The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind." This verse highlights our responsibility as stewards of the earth. We are called to care for creation, using its resources wisely and preserving it for future generations, all while acknowledging God’s ultimate ownership. 8. Praise the Lord Forever Verse 18 encourages us, "But it is we who will bless the LORD, both now and forevermore. Hallelujah!" This is a call to a life of continuous praise. No matter the season, let us commit to praising God, recognizing His goodness and faithfulness in every moment of our lives. 9. God Remembers Us Psalm 115:12 reassures us, "The LORD remembers us and will bless us." In times of loneliness or despair, take comfort in knowing that God has not forgotten you. He is mindful of your needs and is always ready to bless and support you. 10. The Living Praise the Lord Finally, verse 17 reminds us, "It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence." This is a call to action for the living. As long as we have breath, let us use it to praise the Lord, sharing His love and truth with the world around us. Embrace each day as an opportunity to glorify God and make His name known. Topics 1. Glory to God Alone The psalm begins with a call to give glory to God, not to us, emphasizing His steadfast love and faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) underscores the weightiness and honor due to God alone. ^"Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness."^ (Psalm 115:1) 2. The Futility of Idols The psalm contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, highlighting their inability to speak, see, hear, or act. The Hebrew term for idols (אֱלִילִים, elilim) suggests worthlessness. ^"Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men."^ (Psalm 115:4) 3. Trust in the LORD A call to trust in the LORD is extended to Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the LORD. The Hebrew root for trust (בָּטַח, batach) conveys a sense of security and confidence. ^"O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield."^ (Psalm 115:9) 4. God’s Blessing and Remembrance The psalm assures that God will bless those who fear Him, both small and great, and that He will remember His people. The Hebrew word for bless (בָּרַךְ, barak) implies a bestowal of favor. ^"The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us."^ (Psalm 115:12) 5. Heaven and Earth The psalm acknowledges God’s sovereignty over heaven and earth, affirming that the heavens belong to the LORD, while the earth is given to mankind. The Hebrew word for heavens (שָׁמַיִם, shamayim) denotes the sky and the abode of God. ^"The heavens are the LORD’s, but the earth He has given to mankind."^ (Psalm 115:16) 6. Praise from the Living The psalm concludes with a declaration that the dead do not praise the LORD, but the living will bless Him forever. The Hebrew root for praise (הָלַל, halal) involves boasting or celebrating. ^"It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence."^ (Psalm 115:17) Themes 1. Glory to God Alone The psalm begins with a call to give glory to God, not to us, emphasizing His steadfast love and faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) underscores the weightiness and honor due to God alone. ^“Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness.”^ (Psalm 115:1) 2. The Futility of Idols The psalm contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, highlighting their inability to speak, see, hear, or act. The Hebrew term for idols (אֱלִילִים, elilim) suggests worthlessness. ^“Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.”^ (Psalm 115:4) 3. Trust in the LORD A call to trust in the LORD is repeated, directed to Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the LORD. The Hebrew root for trust (בָּטַח, batach) implies confidence and security. ^“O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield.”^ (Psalm 115:9) 4. God’s Blessing and Remembrance The psalm assures that God will bless those who fear Him, both small and great, and that He remembers His people. The Hebrew word for bless (בָּרַךְ, barak) conveys a sense of divine favor. ^“The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us.”^ (Psalm 115:12) 5. The Sovereignty of God The psalm affirms God’s sovereignty over heaven and earth, emphasizing His authority and control. The Hebrew word for heaven (שָׁמַיִם, shamayim) denotes the realm of God’s dominion. ^“The heavens are the LORD’s, but the earth He has given to mankind.”^ (Psalm 115:16) 6. Life and Praise The psalm concludes with a call for the living to praise the LORD, contrasting the silence of the dead. The Hebrew root for praise (הָלַל, halal) suggests exuberant and boastful adoration. ^“It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence.”^ (Psalm 115:17) Prayer Points Praise for God's Faithfulness Thank God for His loving devotion and faithfulness in your life. Praise Him for being your help and shield. Repentance for Idolatry Confess any areas where you have placed trust in idols or worldly things. Ask God to help you refocus your trust on Him. Strength to Trust Pray for the strength and courage to trust in the Lord in all circumstances, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainties. Blessing for Others Ask God to bless those around you, especially those who fear Him. Pray for their increase and for them to experience God's faithfulness. As we conclude this study, may we be inspired to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, giving Him the glory due to His name and living as testimonies of His faithfulness. Answering Tough Questions 1. Psalm 115:2 — How does this verse align with historical events where God's presence or intervention seemed absent or unclear? 2. Psalm 115:4–7 — If idols are truly powerless, why have archeological findings shown widespread worship of them across ancient civilizations that thrived for centuries? 3. Psalm 115:8 — Does this verse contradict scientific or social observations of idol-worshipping cultures that experience prosperity and advancements? 4. Psalm 115:16 — How does the statement “the heavens belong to the Lord” reconcile with modern cosmology and the vastness of the universe? 5. Psalm 115:17 — If the dead cannot praise the Lord, how do we address biblical passages suggesting continued consciousness or spiritual existence after death? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 115 illustrate the difference between the living God and idols? 2. What is the significance of God doing as He pleases in the heavens and on the earth? 3. What does Psalm 115 teach us about the danger of idolatry in our own lives? 4. How can we apply the lessons about trust from verses 9-11 in our daily life? 5. What kind of blessings are mentioned in verses 12-15 for those who trust in God? 6. How does the Psalmist's pledge to trust in God inspire your faith journey? 7. What does it mean that the heavens belong to God, but the earth has been given to man? 8. Why is it important to praise God while we live, according to verse 17-18? 9. How can we recognize and remove idols in our contemporary life? 10. How do the themes of this Psalm apply to your current circumstances? 11. How does the depiction of idols in this Psalm help you understand the emptiness of worldly pursuits? 12. In what areas of your life do you struggle to fully trust God? How does this Psalm encourage you to deepen your trust? 13. What does this Psalm teach us about God's faithfulness and love? How have you experienced this in your own life? 14. How can we ensure that we are a blessing to our future generations, as mentioned in the Psalm? 15. How does Psalm 115 encourage you in your faith when facing trials and tribulations? 16. In what ways can you actively reject the 'idols' of our time? 17. How does the concept of God being our 'shield' provide comfort and security? 18. How does this Psalm resonate with your understanding of God's supremacy? 19. How can this Psalm inspire us to live our lives in a way that glorifies God? 20. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith, based on the teachings of Psalm 115? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions