Psalm 115 explained: A Living God, Not Made Gods

Glory belongs to God (vv. 1-3)

The people ask God to act, not so they look good, but so his own reputation for steady love and faithfulness is shown. When other nations sneer "Where is their God?", likely at a time when Israel was struggling, the answer is that he is in heaven and does what he chooses.

Idols that do nothing (vv. 4-8)

The poem mocks statues of silver and gold: they have mouths, eyes, ears and feet, yet cannot speak, see, hear or move. It then says those who make and trust them will be like them, which is usually read as a warning that they will end up just as powerless and unable to help.

A call to trust (vv. 9-11)

Three groups are urged to trust the LORD: all Israel, the priests (the "house of Aaron," descended from Moses' brother), and "those who fear him," which may mean outsiders who had joined Israel's worship, though scholars are not certain. The repeated line suggests the psalm was sung back and forth in worship.

A promise of blessing (vv. 12-15)

The same three groups are told God has kept them in mind and will bless them, whether important or ordinary. It closes with a wish that families grow and thrive under the Maker of heaven and earth.

Praise while we live (vv. 16-18)

Heaven is God's, but he has given the earth to people. The dead, gone down to the silence of the grave, cannot join the praise, so the living promise to praise the LORD now and always.

Key verse: Psalm 115:1

Something to think about

When you look at the things people rely on for security, what do you think makes something truly worth trusting?