2 Why should other nations say, “Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in heaven. He does whatever he wants.
4 Their idols are made of silver and gold. They were made by human hands.[1]Psalm 115:4-8 are virtually identical in wording to Psalm 135:15-18.
5 They have mouths, but they cannot speak. They have eyes, but they cannot see.
6 They have ears, but they cannot hear. They have noses, but they cannot smell.
7 They have hands, but they cannot feel. They have feet, but they cannot walk. They cannot {even} make a sound with their throats.
8 Those who make idols end up like them. So does everyone who trusts them.
9 Israel, trust the Lord. He is your helper and your shield.
10 Descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord. He is your helper and your shield.
11 If you fear the Lord, trust the Lord. He is your helper and your shield.
12 The Lord, who is {always} thinking about us, will bless us. He will bless the descendants of Israel. He will bless the descendants of Aaron.
13 He will bless those who fear the Lord, from the least important to the most important.
14 May the Lord continue to bless you and your children.
15 You will be blessed by the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
16 The highest heaven belongs to the Lord, but he has given the earth to the descendants of Adam.
17 Those who are dead do not praise the Lord, nor do those who go into the silence {of the grave}.
18.But we will thank the Lord now and forever.
Hallelujah!
The Big Picture: BY TRUSTING IN HIM AND PRAISING HIM. 115:9-18
It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those that trust in him. Wherever there is right fear of God, there may be cheerful faith in him; those who reverence his word, may rely upon it. He is ever found faithful. The greatest need his blessing, and it shall not be denied to the meanest that fear him. God's blessing gives an increase, especially in spiritual blessings. And the Lord is to be praised: his goodness is large, for he has given the earth to the children of men for their use. The souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burdens of the flesh, are still praising him; but the dead body cannot praise God: death puts an end to our glorifying him in this world of trial and conflict. Others are dead, and an end is thereby put to their service, therefore we will seek to do the more for God. We will not only do it ourselves, but will engage others to do it; to praise him when we are gone. Lord, thou art the only object for faith and love. Help us to praise thee while living and when dying, that thy name may be the first and last upon our lips: and let the sweet savour of thy name refresh our souls for ever.
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