The Trustworthiness of God
January 14, 2022
Commentary
Some Bible scholars think this psalm was written in the days of King Jehoshaphat (II Chron. 20) when the surrounding nations mobilized against that godly King of Judah. These surrounding people were all idolaters and Judah itself had been infected by their influence. However, Jehoshaphat had brought the nation back to God, and he was assured that in the forthcoming confrontation with his enemies he would not have to fight. The plan was that he would put bands of singing Levites in the forefront of the battle. They were to march out in front of the troops, spearheading the march toward the enemy, and the armed men were to come behind. Just picture what a sight that must have been with the choir out in front. It is speculated that this psalm was adopted later by Hezekiah for the celebration of the great Passover.
John Phillips, in his book exploring the psalms, divides this chapter into five parts:
1. Appreciation (vv. 1-3). “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory.”
2. Appraisal (vv. 6-8). “They that make them are like unto them; so is everyone that trusts in them” (v. 8).
3. Appeal (vv. 9-11). “O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: He is their help and their shield” (v. 9).
4. Application (vv. 12-15). “The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children” (v. 14).
5. Applause (vv. 16-18). “But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord” (v 18).
Application
For me spending time obtaining tangible objects are as foolish and empty as the idols themselves. I want to be able to give up any idols that may show up in my life.
Psalms 115:1– 18 (NET)
1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name bring honor, for the sake of your loyal love and faithfulness.
2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in heaven. He does whatever he pleases.
4 Their idols are made of silver and gold— they are man-made.
5 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see,
6 ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell,
7 hands, but cannot touch, feet, but cannot walk. They cannot even clear their throats.
8 Those who make them will end up like them, as will everyone who trusts in them.
9 O Israel, trust in the Lord. He is their deliverer and protector.
10 O family of Aaron, trust in the Lord. He is their deliverer and protector.
11 You loyal followers of the Lord, trust in the Lord. He is their deliverer and protector.
12 The Lord takes notice of us; he will bless — he will bless the family of Israel, he will bless the family of Aaron.
13 He will bless his loyal followers, both young and old.
14 May he increase your numbers, yours and your children’s.
15 May you be blessed by the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth.
16 The heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.
17 The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any of those who descend into the silence of death.
18 But we will praise the Lord now and forevermore. Praise the Lord!