◄ Psalm 115 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary To Your Name Be the Glory Psalm 115 beautifully encapsulates the powerful truth of God's sovereign might, the absurdity of idolatry, and the blessings that come from trusting in the Lord. It serves as a timeless reminder for us to continue to place our faith and trust in God, who is ever alive, ever active, and ever willing to bless and protect those who revere Him. The Supremacy of God (Verses 1-3) The Psalmist begins by beseeching God to bring glory to His name, acknowledging His steadfast love and faithfulness. There is a clear reminder of God's sovereignty, as it's declared that God does what pleases Him in the heavens and on earth. The Folly of Idolatry (Verses 4-8) The focus shifts to the worthlessness of idols worshipped by pagans, highlighting their inability to speak, see, hear, or feel. The Psalmist also warns of the danger that those who make or trust in idols will become as impotent as they are. Trust and Blessings (Verses 9-15) The Psalmist encourages Israel, the House of Aaron, and all those who fear the Lord to trust in God, their help and shield. There is a promise of blessings for those who trust in God - they will be remembered, blessed with offspring, and increased bounty. God's Enduring Protection and Blessing (Verses 16-18) In the final verses, the Psalmist acknowledges that while the heavens belong to God, He has given the earth to mankind. The concluding words remind that the dead can't praise God, only the living can. Therefore, the Psalmist pledges to praise God as long as he lives. 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. 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) 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. 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. Bible Study 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? 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) Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions