The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 115
In brief
Psalm 115 is a song of praise from the people of God. It begins by refusing all human glory: it belongs to the name of the LORD, who is faithful and good. Facing nations that mock, the psalmist sets the God of heaven, who acts, against idols of silver and gold, mute and blind. He then urges Israel to trust in God, their help and shield, and celebrates his blessing. The psalm ends with a promise of praise forever.
The chapter in 5 parts
1Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to your name give glory, for your loving kindness, and for your truth’s sake.
2Why should the nations say, “Where is their God, now?”
3But our God is in the heavens. He does whatever he pleases.
4Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
5They have mouths, but they don’t speak. They have eyes, but they don’t see.
6They have ears, but they don’t hear. They have noses, but they don’t smell.
7They have hands, but they don’t feel. They have feet, but they don’t walk, neither do they speak through their throat.
8Those who make them will be like them; yes, everyone who trusts in them.
9Israel, trust in Yahweh! He is their help and their shield.
10House of Aaron, trust in Yahweh! He is their help and their shield.
11You who fear Yahweh, trust in Yahweh! He is their help and their shield.
12Yahweh remembers us. He will bless us. He will bless the house of Israel. He will bless the house of Aaron.
13He will bless those who fear Yahweh, both small and great.
14May Yahweh increase you more and more, you and your children.
15Blessed are you by Yahweh, who made heaven and earth.
16The heavens are Yahweh’s heavens, but he has given the earth to the children of men.
17The dead don’t praise Yah, neither any who go down into silence;
18but we will bless Yah, from this time forward and forever more. Praise Yah!
Key verses
Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to your name give glory, for your loving kindness, and for your truth’s sake.
The psalm opens with a refusal: neither the people nor their successes deserve praise. All the glory goes to God because of his goodness and faithfulness.
But our God is in the heavens. He does whatever he pleases.
In answer to the mocking question of the nations, the reply is simple: God is not absent, he reigns in heaven and does what he pleases. His sovereign freedom is the ground of our confidence.
Those who make them will be like them; yes, everyone who trusts in them.
Those who trust in idols end up resembling them: lifeless, speechless, sightless. What we worship shapes us.
Israel, trust in Yahweh! He is their help and their shield. House of Aaron, trust in Yahweh! He is their help and their shield. You who fear Yahweh, trust in Yahweh! He is their help and their shield.
Three times a call to trust goes out: Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the LORD. Each time the reason is the same: God is their help and shield.
but we will bless Yah, from this time forward and forever more. Praise Yah!
The psalm closes with the decision to bless the LORD from now on and forever. Praise is the breath of those who live.
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Frequently asked questions about Psalm 115
What does Psalm 115 mean?
Psalm 115 says that glory belongs to God alone. It contrasts the living God, who reigns in heaven and acts, with idols made by human hands, which neither speak nor see. It then calls the people to trust in the LORD, their help and shield, and to bless him forever.
What does the first sentence of Psalm 115 mean?
These words open the psalm and express humility: the people do not claim glory for themselves. When God acts, it is because of his goodness and faithfulness, not human merit. This prayer helps us give back to God the credit for what we live and achieve.
How can I pray or meditate on Psalm 115?
Read it slowly and aloud. Start with verses 1 to 3 to give God the glory of your life. Then ask yourself what takes God's place in your heart (verses 4 to 8). Finish with verses 9 to 11 by entrusting a specific situation to him, then with the praise of verse 18.
Articles quoting Psalm 115
- 20 Bible Verses for Shichi-Go-San: Thanking God for Your Child's Growth
- 20 Bible Verses for Grandparents: A Legacy of Faith and Blessing
- Luke 22: The Lord's Supper, Examining Yourself Before Communion
- Ecclesiastes 2: When Pleasures Burst Like Bubbles
- New Spiritualities: What They Seek, What Christ Gives
- Is Your God Too Small? The God of Heaven Reveals Himself
World English Bible translation — public domain.