Psalm 115 is a hymn of praise and trust, contrasting the living God with lifeless idols while calling God’s people to glorify Him alone. Written in a post-exilic context, likely after Israel’s return from Babylonian captivity, it reflects a community seeking to reaffirm their faith amid surrounding pagan influences. The psalm exalts God’s sovereignty and goodness, pointing forward to Christ, the ultimate revelation of God’s glory and the means of our redemption. Today, we’ll explore Psalm 115 with a Christological lens, drawing out its directives for Christ-like living through five alliterative points: Pride Precedes Powerlessness, Praise Proclaims Providence, Protection Promises Peace, Provision Prompts Praise, and Purpose Points to Perfection. Let’s read the psalm in full:
Psalm 115 (ESV)
1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.
6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.
7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.
8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
9 O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.
11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.
12 The Lord has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron;
13 he will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great.
14 May the Lord give you increase, you and your children!
15 May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
16 The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.
17 The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!
1. Pride Precedes Powerlessness (vv. 1-8)
The psalm begins with a rejection of human glory and a warning against idolatry.
- Scripture: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (v. 1); “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands… Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.” (vv. 4, 8)
- Explanation: Pride seeks glory for self, but idols—whether literal statues or modern pursuits like wealth and status—are powerless. They cannot speak, see, or save. Trusting in them leaves us spiritually dead, mirroring their futility.
- Christological Implication: Jesus, the image of the invisible God, contrasts with lifeless idols. Colossians 1:15-16 (ESV) says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created…” Christ’s life and power expose idolatry’s emptiness.
- Christ-like Living: Reject prideful self-reliance. Live humbly, giving glory to Christ alone, as He did: “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do” (John 17:4, ESV).
2. Praise Proclaims Providence (vv. 2-3)
Praising God affirms His sovereign care.
- Scripture: “Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” (vv. 2-3)
- Explanation: The nations mock when God seems absent, but His heavenly reign ensures He acts according to His will. His providence is unshaken by human doubt.
- Christological Implication: Christ embodies God’s providence. John 1:1-3 (ESV) declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… All things were made through him…” His life, death, and resurrection prove God’s control over all.
- Christ-like Living: Praise God in all circumstances, trusting His plan as Jesus did: “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, ESV). Proclaim His providence boldly.
3. Protection Promises Peace (vv. 9-11)
God’s help and shield bring security.
- Scripture: “O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.” (vv. 9-11)
- Explanation: Three times, the psalm calls for trust in God as our protector. This repetition underscores His reliability for all His people—Israel, priests, and God-fearers.
- Christological Implication: Jesus is our ultimate shield. Ephesians 6:16 (ESV) urges, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith…”—a faith rooted in Christ, who protects us from sin’s penalty: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish” (John 10:28, ESV).
- Christ-like Living: Trust Christ for peace amid trials, reflecting His calm: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27, ESV). Rest in His protection.
4. Provision Prompts Praise (vv. 12-15)
God’s blessings inspire gratitude.
- Scripture: “The Lord has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron; he will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great. May the Lord give you increase…” (vv. 12-14)
- Explanation: God’s mindfulness ensures blessings for all who trust Him, from the lowly to the great. His provision fuels our worship.
- Christological Implication: Christ is God’s ultimate provision. John 3:16 (ESV) states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” Through Him, we receive every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).
- Christ-like Living: Respond to God’s gifts with praise, as Jesus gave thanks: “He took bread, and when he had given thanks…” (Luke 22:19, ESV). Live generously, sharing His blessings.
5. Purpose Points to Perfection (vv. 16-18)
Our calling is to glorify God forever.
- Scripture: “The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man. The dead do not praise the Lord… But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!” (vv. 16-18)
- Explanation: God rules the heavens, but entrusts earth to us for His glory. The dead are silent, but the living praise Him eternally.
- Christological Implication: Jesus fulfills this purpose, leading us to perfection. Hebrews 12:2 (ESV) says, “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” His resurrection ensures our eternal praise.
- Christ-like Living: Live purposefully for God’s glory, as Christ did: “Father, glorify your name” (John 12:28, ESV). Pursue holiness, anticipating perfection with Him.
Conclusion: Christ-like Living from Psalm 115
Psalm 115, seen through Christ, directs us to a life of humility, trust, and praise.
- Reject Pride: “Not to us, O Lord…”—mirror Christ’s humility (Philippians 2:7-8).
- Proclaim Providence: Trust God’s plan, as Jesus did on the cross (1 Peter 2:23).
- Rest in Protection: Find peace in Christ’s shield (John 16:33).
- Rejoice in Provision: Thank God for salvation in Jesus (Romans 5:11).
- Reflect Purpose: Live for His glory, aiming for eternity (Revelation 5:13).
Application: Start each day with “Not to us, but to Your name” (v. 1). Trust Him as your help and shield (v. 11). Bless Him forever (v. 18). In Christ, we’re equipped to live peacefully, purposefully, and praisefully—glorifying the One who redeemed us. Amen.