Psalm 115 — Glory to God and the Vanity of Idols
This psalm contrasts the living God of heaven with lifeless man-made idols and calls on Israel to place their trust in the LORD's blessing.
1Not to us, LORD,*LORD or GOD in all caps is from the Hebrew יהוה Yahweh except when otherwise noted as being from the short form יה Yah. not to us,
2Why should the nations say,
3But our God is in the heavens.
4Their idols are silver and gold,
5They have mouths, but they don’t speak.
6They have ears, but they don’t hear.
7They have hands, but they don’t feel.
8Those who make them will be like them;
9Israel, trust in the LORD!
10House of Aaron, trust in the LORD!
11You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD!
12The LORD remembers us. He will bless us.
13He will bless those who fear the LORD,
14May the LORD increase you more and more,
15Blessed are you by the LORD,
16The heavens are the LORD’s heavens,
17The dead don’t praise the LORD,†Hebrew: יה Yah
18but we will bless the LORD,‡Hebrew: יה Yah
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalm 115:1
“Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for your loving kindness, and for your truth’s sake.”
This verse establishes the central theme that human achievements are secondary to God's glory and character.
Psalm 115:3
“But our God is in the heavens. He does whatever he pleases.”
This highlights the absolute sovereignty of God in contrast to the limited nature of man-made objects.
Psalm 115:8
“Those who make them will be like them; yes, everyone who trusts in them.”
The psalmist warns that devotion to lifeless idols results in spiritual and personal stagnation.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 115 begins with a declaration that glory belongs solely to God and not to humans, emphasizing His loving kindness and truth. It addresses the rhetorical question of the nations regarding God's location by stating that He resides in heaven and performs according to His own will. The text then provides a detailed critique of idols, describing them as silver and gold objects made by human hands that possess features like mouths, eyes, and ears but cannot function. The psalmist warns that those who create or trust in these idols will become as lifeless as they are. In contrast, the poem urges three distinct groups—Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the LORD—to put their trust in God. It promises that the LORD remembers and blesses His people, both small and great. The psalm concludes by noting that while the dead do not offer praise, the living will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main message is the contrast between the sovereign, living God and the uselessness of man-made idols. It calls for all people to reject idolatry and place their full trust in the LORD for blessing and protection.
The text specifically addresses three groups: the nation of Israel, the house of Aaron (the priests), and all those who fear the LORD (the wider community of believers).
It describes idols as being made of silver and gold by human hands. Although they have human-like features such as mouths, eyes, and hands, they are unable to speak, see, hear, or feel, rendering them powerless.
The psalm states that the heavens belong to the LORD as His dwelling place, while He has given the earth to the children of men for their habitation.
Study Note
Psalm 115 is often categorized as a communal hymn of trust and was likely used liturgically in the Second Temple period to reinforce the distinction between Yahweh and pagan deities.
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