EGW WritingsPsalms 115
Ellen G. White
Read Psalms 115 in the BiblePsalms 115:1-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 52, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 52, 1896, par. 1
The word I have for you this morning is, “The Lord Jehovah is ours, in Him is everlasting strength.” [See Isaiah 26:4.] Then comes forth a burst of praise mingled with humility, “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy and thy truth’s sake.” [Psalm 115:1.] The Lord expects His children for whom He is doing so much to respond to the weighty evidence He has given them of the great love and mercy He has manifested unto them. When their faith is tried, the enemies of God and of His people watch them critically to see if there is not a chance for Satan to wedge himself in with his great temptations. Where is now your God? Will the children of God for whom He has done so much answer in cheerful, trustful words, “Our God is in the heavens; He hath done and will do whatsoever He hath pleased”? The contrast is then made plain in response to the scornful retort. “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.” [Verses 3, 4.] And then is repeated the useless dependence that they have in their idols. Will the chosen people of God look in faith to the Source of all might and power, and sing of the mercies of God?11LtMs, Lt 52, 1896, par. 3
Then comes from the Psalmist, and from the voices of the assembled people in holy song of praise, “The Lord hath been mindful of us; He will bless us.” “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” “I will praise thee, O Lord; with my whole heart will I show forth thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee. I will sing praise to Thy name, O thou Most High.” [Psalm 115:12; 23:1-3; 9:1, 2.] Israel had not a cold and severe judge in their God, whom the little mind of man could not take hold upon. In order to reveal God as He is, full of mercy and truth, He gave Jesus to our world to represent the love of the Father, that in the person of Christ there might be a sure representative for their faith to grasp, the only begotten Son of the infinite God, the manifested brightness of His glory, the express image of His person. That God, the great Ruler of the universe, had a deep interest in every home, to help, to bless, to cheer, to strengthen. Then let us believe and love and trust Him.Psalms 115:3
Prayer
“When ye pray, say Our Father.” Luke 11:2.
Pr 292.2
“Which art in heaven.” He to whom Christ bids us look as “our Father” “is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.” In His care we may safely rest, saying, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psalm 115:3; Psalm 56:3.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“When ye pray, say, Our Father.”—Luke 11:2.
MB 106.1
“Which art in heaven.” He to whom Christ bids us look as “our Father” “is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.” In His care we may safely rest, saying, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psalm 115:3; 56:3.Psalms 115:4-8
Conflict and Courage
God or Idols? January 26
CC 32.1
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.... They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them. Psalm 115:4-8.Psalms 115:8
Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 7—The Flood
PP 91.2
Men put God out of their knowledge and worshiped the creatures of their own imagination; and as the result, they became more and more debased. The psalmist describes the effect produced upon the worshiper by the adoration of idols. He says, “They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.” Psalm 115:8. It is a law of the human mind that by beholding we become changed. Man will rise no higher than his conceptions of truth, purity, and holiness. If the mind is never exalted above the level of humanity, if it is not uplifted by faith to contemplate infinite wisdom and love, the man will be constantly sinking lower and lower. The worshipers of false gods clothed their deities with human attributes and passions, and thus their standard of character was degraded to the likeness of sinful humanity. They were defiled in consequence. “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.... The earth also was corrupt before God; and the earth was filled with violence.” God had given men His commandments as a rule of life, but His law was transgressed, and every conceivable sin was the result. The wickedness of men was open and daring, justice was trampled in the dust, and the cries of the oppressed reached unto heaven.From Eternity Past
Chapter 7—When the World Was Destroyed by Water
EP 51.4
The psalmist describes the effect produced upon the worshiper by the adoration of idols: “They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.” Psalm 115:8. It is a law of the human mind that by beholding we become changed. If the mind is never exalted above the level of humanity, if it is not uplifted to contemplate infinite wisdom and love, man will be constantly sinking lower and lower. “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually... . The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” His law was transgressed, and every conceivable sin was the result. Justice was trampled in the dust, and the cries of the oppressed reached unto heaven.Psalms 115:17
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Chapter 61—Philosophy and Vain Deceit
1T 298.2
Deceived mortals are worshiping evil angels, believing them to be the spirits of their dead friends. The word of God expressly declares that the dead have no more a portion in anything done under the sun. Spiritualists say that the dead know everything that is done under the sun, that they communicate to their friends on earth, give valuable information, and perform wonders. Psalm 115:17: “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” Satan, transformed into an angel of light, works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. He who could take up the Son of God, who was made a little lower than the angels, and place Him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and take Him up into an exceeding high mountain to present before Him the kingdoms of the world, can exercise his power upon the human family, who are far inferior in strength and wisdom to the Son of God, even after He had taken upon Himself man’s nature.The Great Controversy
Chapter 33—The First Great Deception
GC 546.1
When, in answer to his prayer, Hezekiah’s life was prolonged fifteen years, the grateful king rendered to God a tribute of praise for His great mercy. In this song he tells the reason why he thus rejoices: “The grave cannot praise Thee, death cannot celebrate Thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for Thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise Thee, as I do this day.” Isaiah 38:18, 19. Popular theology represents the righteous dead as in heaven, entered into bliss and praising God with an immortal tongue; but Hezekiah could see no such glorious prospect in death. With his words agrees the testimony of the psalmist: “In death there is no remembrance of Thee: in the grave who shall give Thee thanks?” “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” Psalm 6:5; 115:17.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 33—The First Great Deception
GC88 546.2
When, in answer to his prayer, Hezekiah’s life was prolonged fifteen years, the grateful king rendered to God a tribute of praise for his great mercy. In this song he tells the reason why he thus rejoices: “The grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee; they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day.” [Isaiah 38:18, 19.] Popular theology represents the righteous dead as in Heaven, entered into bliss, and praising God with an immortal tongue; but Hezekiah could see no such glorious prospect in death. With his words agrees the testimony of the psalmist: “In death there is no remembrance of thee; in the grave who shall give thee thanks?” “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” [Psalm 6:5; 115:17.]The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 28—The First Great Deception
4SP 365.2
When, in answer to his prayer, Hezekiah’s life was prolonged fifteen years, the grateful king rendered to God a tribute of praise for his great mercy. In this song he tells the reason why he thus rejoices: “The grave cannot praise thee; death cannot celebrate thee; they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day. The father to the children shall make known thy truth.” [Isaiah 38:18, 19.] Popular theology represents the righteous dead as in Heaven, entered into bliss, and praising God with an immortal tongue; but Hezekiah could see no such glorious prospect in death. With his words agrees the testimony of the psalmist: “In death there is no remembrance of thee; in the grave who shall give thee thanks?” “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” [Psalm 6:5; 115:17.]Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b
Philosophy and Vain Deceit
4bSG 88.1
Deceived mortals are worshiping evil angels, believing them to be the spirits of their dead friends. The word of God expressly declares that “the dead have no more a portion in anything done under the sun.” Spiritualists say the dead know everything that is done under the sun, that they communicate to their friends on earth, give valuable information, and perform wonders. Psalm 115:17. “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” I have been shown that Satan, transformed into an angel of light, works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. He who could take up the Son of God, who was made a little lower than the angels, and place him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and take him up into an exceeding high mountain to present before him the kingdoms of the world, can exercise his power upon the human family, who are far inferior in strength and wisdom to the Son of God, even after he had taken upon himself man’s nature. In this degenerate age, Satan holds control over mortals who depart from the right, and venture upon his ground. He exercises his power upon such in an alarming manner. I was directed to these words, “Intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” Some, I was shown, gratify their curiosity, and tamper with the Devil. They have no real faith in Spiritualism, and would start back with horror at the idea of being a medium. Yet they venture, and place themselves in a position where Satan can exercise his power upon them. They do not mean to enter deep into this work, but such know not what they are doing. They are venturing upon the Devil’s ground, and are tempting him to control them. This powerful destroyer considers such his lawful prey, and will exercise his power upon them, and that against their will. When they wish to control themselves they cannot. They yielded their mind to Satan, and he holds them captive, and he will not release his claims. No power can deliver the ensnared soul but the power of God, in answer to the earnest prayers of his faithful followers.The Review and Herald
February 18, 1862
RH February 18, 1862, par. 15
Deceived mortals are worshiping evil angels, believing them to be the spirits of their dead friends. The word of God expressly declares that “the dead have no more a portion in anything done under the sun.” Spiritualists say the dead know everything that is done under the sun, that they communicate to their friends on earth, give valuable information, and perform wonders. Psalm 115:17: “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” I have been shown that Satan, transformed into an angel of light, works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. He who could take up the Son of God, who was made a little lower than the angels, and place him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and take him up into an exceeding high mountain to present before him the kingdoms of the world, can exercise his power upon the human family, who are far inferior in strength and wisdom to the Son of God, even after he had taken upon himself man’s nature. In this degenerate age Satan holds control over mortals who depart from the right, and venture upon his ground. He exercises his power upon such in an alarming manner. I was directed to these words, “Intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” Some, I was shown, gratify their curiosity, and tamper with the Devil. They have no real faith in Spiritualism, and would start back with horror at the idea of being a medium. Yet they venture, and place themselves in a position where Satan can exercise his power upon them. They do not mean to enter deep into this work, but such know not what they are doing. They are venturing on the Devil’s ground, and are tempting him to control them. This powerful destroyer considers such his lawful prey, and will exercise his power upon them, and that against their will. When they wish to control themselves they cannot. They yielded their mind to Satan and he holds them captive, and he will not release his claims. No power can deliver the ensnared soul but the power of God, in answer to the earnest prayers of his faithful followers.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Venturing on Satan’s Ground
1TT 97.1
Deceived mortals are worshiping evil angels, believing them to be the spirits of their dead friends. The word of God expressly declares that the dead have no more a portion in anything done under the sun. Spiritualists say that the dead know everything that is done under the sun, that they communicate to their friends on earth, give valuable information, and perform wonders. “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” Psalm 115:17. Satan, transformed into an angel of light, works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. He who could take up the Son of God, who was made a little lower than the angels, and place Him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and take Him up into an exceeding high mountain to present before Him the kingdoms of the world, can exercise his power upon the human family, who are far inferior in strength and wisdom to the Son of God, even after He had taken upon Himself man’s nature.Testimony for the Church — No. 7
“Philosophy and Vain Deceit”
T07 59.1
Deceived mortals are worshiping evil angels, believing them to be the spirits of their dead friends. The word of God expressly declares that “the dead have no more a portion in anything done under the sun.” Spiritualists say the dead know everything that is done under the sun, that they communicate to their friends on earth, give valuable information, and perform wonders. Psalm 115:17. “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” I have been shown that Satan, transformed into an angel of light, works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. He who could take up the Son of God, who was made a little lower than the angels, and place him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and take him up into an exceeding high mountain to present before him the kingdoms of the world, can exercise his power upon the human family, who are far inferior in strength and wisdom to the Son of God, even after he had taken upon himself man’s nature. In this degenerate age Satan holds control over mortals who depart from the right, and venture upon his ground. He exercises his power upon such in an alarming manner. I was directed to these words, “Intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” Some, I was shown, gratify their curiosity, and tamper with the Devil. They have no real faith in Spiritualism, and would start back with horror at the idea of being a medium. Yet they venture, and place themselves in a position where Satan can exercise his power upon them. They do not mean to enter deep into this work, but such know not what they are doing. They are venturing on the Devil’s ground, and are tempting him to control them. This powerful destroyer considers such his lawful prey, and will exercise his power upon them, and that against their will. When they wish to control themselves they cannot. They yielded their mind to Satan and he holds them captive, and he will not release his claims. No power can deliver the ensnared soul but the power of God, in answer to the earnest prayers of his faithful followers.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Psalms 115:1
God’s Amazing Grace
Learn the Song of Triumph Now, December 10
AG 352.3
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake” (Psalm 115:1). Such was the spirit that pervaded Israel’s song of deliverance, and it is the spirit that should dwell in the hearts of all who love and fear God. In freeing our souls from the bondage of sin, God has wrought for us a deliverance greater than that of the Hebrews at the Red Sea.... The daily blessings that we receive from the hand of God, and above all else the death of Jesus to bring happiness and heaven within our reach, should be a theme for constant gratitude. What compassion, what matchless love, has God shown to us, lost sinners, in connecting us with Himself, to be to Him a peculiar treasure! ... We should praise God for the blessed hope held out before us in the great plan of redemption, we should praise Him for the heavenly inheritance and for His rich promises; praise Him that Jesus lives to intercede for us....Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 25—The Exodus
PP 289.2
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1. Such was the spirit that pervaded Israel’s song of deliverance, and it is the spirit that should dwell in the hearts of all who love and fear God. In freeing our souls from the bondage of sin, God has wrought for us a deliverance greater than that of the Hebrews at the Red Sea. Like the Hebrew host, we should praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice for His “wonderful works to the children of men.” Those who dwell upon God’s great mercies, and are not unmindful of His lesser gifts, will put on the girdle of gladness and make melody in their hearts to the Lord. The daily blessings that we receive from the hand of God, and above all else the death of Jesus to bring happiness and heaven within our reach, should be a theme for constant gratitude. What compassion, what matchless love, has God shown to us, lost sinners, in connecting us with Himself, to be to Him a peculiar treasure! What a sacrifice has been made by our Redeemer, that we may be called children of God! We should praise God for the blessed hope held out before us in the great plan of redemption, we should praise Him for the heavenly inheritance and for His rich promises; praise Him that Jesus lives to intercede for us.The Voice in Speech and Song
Chapter 74—Songs of the Redeemed
VSS 465.1
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1. Such was the spirit that pervaded Israel’s song of deliverance, and it is the spirit that should dwell in the hearts of all who love and fear God. In freeing our souls from the bondage of sin, God has wrought for us a deliverance greater than that of the Hebrews at the Red Sea. Like the Hebrew host, we should praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice for His “wonderful works to the children of men.” Those who dwell upon God’s great mercies, and are not unmindful of His lesser gifts will put on the girdle of gladness, and make melody in their hearts to the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 34, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 34, 1892, par. 23
The apostle Paul felt constrained to give thanks unto God always, for the converts of a single church, that a small number of Thessalonica had “turned from idols to serve the true and living God.” [1 Thessalonians 1:9.] What then should be our joy to see souls in many places turning to God. And yet how little we have done to achieve these great victories. “Not unto us, but unto thy name give we glory.” [Psalm 115:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 41, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 41, 1892, par. 14
He must lead the way, we must follow. Christ dwelling in the soul will prompt to proper action. Empty, weak, worthless as we feel ourselves to be, the Holy Spirit of God is working through the human instrumentality for the saving of many souls. Hearts that were stored with pollution have become vessels unto honor, habitations for God. “Not unto us, O God, not unto us, but unto thy name be all the glory.” [Psalm 115:1.] We are nothingness of ourselves, but the Lord God is everything; He is all and in all.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 54, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 54, 1897, par. 12
We need sanctification unto good works and a much more perfect faith than we have. Then our hearts will be filled with gratitude to God. His distinguishing love will keep us in contrition and deepest humiliation before Him. “Not unto us, but unto thy name be the praise.” [Psalm 115:1.] God help us every hour to know His will. May He give us tact and wisdom and power by His Holy Spirit, is my prayer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 176, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 176, 1903, par. 20
The truth fills the believing soul with overflowing gratitude and at the same time keeps him low in the deepest humiliation. Constantly the language of his heart is, “Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thy name be the glory.” [Psalm 115:1.]