It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence. It is not the deadThe phrase "It is not the dead" immediately sets a contrast between the living and the dead. In the Hebrew text, the word for "dead" is "מֵתִים" (metim), which refers to those who have physically died. In the context of ancient Israel, the dead were often associated with Sheol, a place of silence and inactivity. This phrase emphasizes that those who have passed away are no longer able to participate in the earthly acts of worship and praise that are due to God. The living, therefore, have a unique opportunity and responsibility to glorify God. who praise the LORD
The Hebrew word for "praise" is "יְהַלְלוּ" (yehalelu), derived from "הלל" (halal), which means to boast or to shine. This word is often used in the context of worship and adoration directed towards God. The phrase underscores the idea that praise is an active, vibrant expression of faith and gratitude, something that the dead cannot offer. In the historical context of Israel, praise was not just a personal act but a communal one, often expressed through song, dance, and public declaration. The living are called to continue this tradition, ensuring that the LORD's name is exalted among the nations. nor any who descend into silence
The term "descend into silence" refers to the state of the dead, who are unable to speak or sing. The Hebrew word for "silence" is "דּוּמָה" (dumah), which conveys a sense of stillness and quietness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, silence was often associated with the grave or the underworld, a place where the vibrancy of life ceases. This phrase serves as a reminder of the finality of death in the physical sense and the importance of using one's life to honor God. It also highlights the belief in the afterlife, where the dead await the resurrection and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. The living, therefore, are encouraged to use their voices and lives to proclaim God's goodness while they have the chance. Persons / Places / Events 1. The DeadRefers to those who have passed away and are no longer living in the earthly realm. In the context of this verse, it emphasizes the inability of the deceased to participate in the act of praising God. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, central to the worship and praise of the Israelites. The focus is on the living's responsibility to praise Him. 3. SilenceSymbolic of the grave or Sheol, the place of the dead in Hebrew thought. It represents a state where praise is no longer possible. Teaching Points The Urgency of PraiseWhile we are alive, we have the unique opportunity and responsibility to praise God. This verse reminds us that life is the time to glorify God, as death brings silence. The Value of LifeLife is a precious gift from God, and it should be used to honor Him. Our time on earth is limited, and we should prioritize worship and service to God. Eternal PerspectiveUnderstanding that our earthly life is temporary should motivate us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God. Encouragement to WorshipThis verse encourages believers to actively engage in worship and praise, recognizing that it is a privilege of the living. Reflection on MortalityReflecting on our mortality can lead to a deeper appreciation for the life we have and the opportunities to serve and praise God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the inability of the dead to praise God impact your view of worship in your daily life? 2. In what ways can you incorporate more praise and worship into your routine, knowing that life is the time to do so? 3. How does Psalm 115:17 challenge you to think about the legacy of faith and worship you are leaving behind? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt particularly moved to praise God. How can you cultivate that same spirit of worship regularly? 5. How do the connections to other scriptures, like Isaiah 38:18-19, deepen your understanding of the importance of praising God while alive? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 6:5This verse similarly notes that in death, there is no remembrance or praise of God, reinforcing the urgency of worshiping God while alive. Isaiah 38:18-19Hezekiah's prayer highlights that the living, not the dead, can praise God, emphasizing the importance of life in worship. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6Discusses the state of the dead, who have no further part in earthly matters, including the act of praising God. People Aaron, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Dead, Jah, Praise, Silence, Underworld, YahDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 115:17 5950 silence
9021 death, natural
9110 after-life
9136 immortality, OT Psalm 115:17-18 5816 consciousness Library The Warning
"And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered abroad. Howbeit, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto Him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou today, even this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice. But he spake exceeding …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. MarkLetter xxxiv. To Marcella.
In reply to a request from Marcella for information concerning two phrases in Ps. cxxvii. ("bread of sorrow," v. 2, and "children of the shaken off," A.V. "of the youth," v. 4). Jerome, after lamenting that Origen's notes on the psalm are no longer extant, gives the following explanations: The Hebrew phrase "bread of sorrow" is rendered by the LXX. "bread of idols"; by Aquila, "bread of troubles"; by Symmachus, "bread of misery." Theodotion follows the LXX. So does Origen's Fifth Version. The Sixth …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome Christian Graces.
FAITH. FAITH! Peter saith, faith, in the very trial of it, is much more precious than gold that perisheth. If so, what is the worth or value that is in the grace itself? Faith is so great an artist in arguing and reasoning with the soul, that it will bring over the hardest heart that it hath to deal with. It will bring to my remembrance at once, both my vileness against God, and his goodness towards me; it will show me, that though I deserve not to breathe in the air, yet God will have me an heir …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of Idols a Defection from the True God.
1. God is opposed to idols, that all may know he is the only fit witness to himself. He expressly forbids any attempt to represent him by a bodily shape. 2. Reasons for this prohibition from Moses, Isaiah, and Paul. The complaint of a heathen. It should put the worshipers of idols to shame. 3. Consideration of an objection taken from various passages in Moses. The Cherubim and Seraphim show that images are not fit to represent divine mysteries. The Cherubim belonged to the tutelage of the Law. 4. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Messiah Derided Upon the Cross
All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. F allen man, though alienated from the life of God, and degraded with respect to many of his propensities and pursuits, to a level with the beasts that perish, is not wholly destitute of kind and compassionate feelings towards his fellow-creatures. While self-interest does not interfere, and the bitter passions …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Triumph Over Death and the Grave
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin: and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. T he Christian soldier may with the greatest propriety, be said to war a good warfare (I Timothy 1:18) . He is engaged in a good cause. He fights under the eye of the Captain of his salvation. Though he be weak in himself, and though his enemies are many and mighty, he may do that which in other soldiers …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Last Supper
189. On Thursday Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem for the last time. Knowing the temper of the leaders, and the danger of arrest at any time, Jesus was particularly eager to eat the Passover with his disciples (Luke xxii. 15), and he sent two of them--Luke names them as Peter and John--to prepare for the supper. In a way which would give no information to such a one as Judas, he directed them carefully how to find the house where a friend would provide them the upper room that was needed …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 115:17 NIVPsalm 115:17 NLTPsalm 115:17 ESVPsalm 115:17 NASBPsalm 115:17 KJV
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