Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. Those who make themThis phrase refers to the craftsmen and idolaters who create physical idols. In the Hebrew context, the word for "make" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), which means to fashion or create. Historically, idol-making was a common practice in ancient cultures surrounding Israel, where artisans would craft gods from wood, stone, or metal. The Bible consistently condemns this practice, emphasizing that these idols are the work of human hands and lack divine power or life. The act of making idols is seen as a futile endeavor, as it reflects a misplaced trust in human creation rather than in the Creator. will become like them
This phrase suggests a transformation or degradation of those who engage in idol worship. The Hebrew word "כָּמוֹהֶם" (kamoham) implies becoming similar or like something. In this context, it means that those who worship idols will become as lifeless and powerless as the idols themselves. This is a profound spiritual warning that idolatry leads to spiritual deadness and moral decay. The Bible often uses this imagery to illustrate the futility and emptiness of worshiping anything other than the one true God. as will all who trust in them
Here, the focus shifts to those who place their faith in idols. The Hebrew word for "trust" is "בָּטַח" (batach), which conveys a sense of confidence or reliance. Trusting in idols is portrayed as a misguided and ultimately destructive choice. The historical context of Israel is replete with examples of nations and individuals who suffered due to their reliance on false gods. The Bible teaches that true security and salvation come only from trusting in the Lord, the living God, who is active and sovereign over all creation. This phrase serves as a call to faithfulness and a reminder of the consequences of misplaced trust. Persons / Places / Events 1. PsalmistThe author of Psalm 115, traditionally attributed to David or another Israelite leader, who is addressing the people of Israel. 2. Idol MakersIndividuals or groups who create idols, often representing false gods, which are the focus of this verse. 3. IsraelThe nation to whom the Psalm is directed, often struggling with idolatry and the temptation to follow the practices of surrounding nations. 4. IdolsObjects of worship made by human hands, often representing deities of other cultures, which are powerless and lifeless. 5. Trust in GodThe central theme of the Psalm, contrasting the futility of idol worship with the power and faithfulness of the God of Israel. Teaching Points The Nature of IdolatryIdolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can include anything that takes the place of God in our lives. It is a heart issue that reflects misplaced trust and priorities. Becoming Like What We WorshipThis verse warns that we become like what we worship. If we worship lifeless idols, we become spiritually lifeless. In contrast, worshiping the living God transforms us into His likeness. The Futility of IdolsIdols, whether physical or metaphorical, cannot provide security, guidance, or salvation. Only God can fulfill these roles, and trusting in anything else leads to disappointment. Trust in the Living GodThe Psalm calls us to place our trust in the living God, who is active, powerful, and faithful. Unlike idols, God hears, sees, and acts on behalf of His people. Guarding Against Modern IdolatryIn today's context, idolatry can manifest in the form of materialism, career, relationships, or self. We must regularly evaluate our lives to ensure God remains our primary focus. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "idols" that people might be tempted to trust in, and how can we guard against them? 2. How does the concept of becoming like what we worship challenge you in your personal walk with God? 3. In what ways can we actively place our trust in God rather than in the "idols" of our culture? 4. How do the additional scriptures (Exodus 20:3-5, Isaiah 44:9-20, etc.) deepen our understanding of the dangers of idolatry? 5. Reflect on a time when you trusted in something other than God. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your relationship with Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5The commandment against idolatry, emphasizing God's desire for exclusive worship and the futility of idols. Isaiah 44:9-20A vivid description of the foolishness of idol-making and the inability of idols to save or act. Jeremiah 10:5A comparison of idols to scarecrows, highlighting their impotence and the folly of trusting in them. 1 Corinthians 8:4-6Paul’s teaching on the non-existence of other gods and the supremacy of the one true God. Romans 1:21-23A description of humanity's tendency to exchange the glory of God for images, leading to spiritual and moral decay. People Aaron, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Confideth, Faith, Makers, Mutter, Puts, Throat, Trust, Trusteth, Trusting, Trusts, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 115:2-8 8780 materialism, and sin Psalm 115:2-11 8023 faith, necessity Psalm 115:3-8 6708 predestination Psalm 115:4-8 5973 unreliability Psalm 115:5-8 8032 trust, lack of 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 115:8 NIVPsalm 115:8 NLTPsalm 115:8 ESVPsalm 115:8 NASBPsalm 115:8 KJV
Psalm 115:8 Commentaries
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