Psalm 115:1-18
Q.1. Why are man-made idols so inferior to the living God? – (Ps.115:1-7)
Our sinful nature often causes us to take the glory that belongs only to God. The Psalmist declared – Not to us O Lord … but to Your name give glory because of Your lovingkindness and Your truth (Ps.115:1). He further acknowledged – our God is in the heavens and does whatever He pleases (Ps.115:3). Consequently, it is foolish for the nations to query God’s power (Ps.115:2). Israel had a long history of the demonstration of God’s power. The idols of the nations are impotent because they are crafted by men and – They have mouths, but they cannot speak; They have eyes, but they cannot see; They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throats (Ps.115:5-7).
Q.2. What happens when people focus on idols? How do those who meditate on God benefit ultimately? – (Ps.115:8-15)
Idols are useless – Those who make them will become like them, everyone who trusts in them (Ps.115:8). Because God is the living God, He blesses those who fear Him, and He blesses their families (Ps.115:9-14). We are blessed because He is the Maker of Heaven and earth, Who has unlimited power (Ps.115:15). There is none who can rival such power and majesty. That is so because the Lord – will bless those who fear the Lord … the small and the great (Ps.114:13).
Q.3. How did the Psalmist try to inspire the worship of the living God? – (Ps.115:16-18)
God rules over the heavenly realms, about which we know very little. He has given us the earth to enjoy (Ps.115:16). The Psalmist recognized that this is only possible for us while we are living (Ps.115:17). Now is the time to praise and give thanks to God, while we still have breath (c.f. Ps.150:6). The Psalmist belonged to the company who were committed to praising the Lord – from this time forth and forever (Ps.115:18).