Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 115

The Absurdity of IdolatryThis psalm teaches us to give all glory to God and not to ourselves. It also shows how foolish it is to worship idols. The writer wants us to remember that any good thing we have comes from God’s mercy and truth, not from our own efforts. He also answers those who insult God’s people, showing that idols are nothing compared to the living God.v. 1: We should never take credit for our blessings or successes. All praise should go to the Lord

v. 2: The nations who do not know God sometimes mock his people, asking, Where is now their God? The psalmist prays that God would defend his honor and help his people, so their enemies cannot continue to insult them .

v. 3: The answer is clear—our God is in heaven and does whatever he pleases. He rules over everything and is not limited like idols. God is real and powerful, present in every part of the world .

v. 4: Idols, on the other hand, are only silver and gold made by human hands. People make them, so they cannot be divine. It is foolish to worship something that people have created themselves (Psalm 115:4; Hosea 8:6 ).

v. 5: Idols have mouths but cannot speak. They cannot answer prayers or communicate in any way. They are lifeless and powerless .

v. 6: They have eyes but cannot see. Idols do not notice their worshipers or anything happening around them .

v. 7: They have ears but cannot hear, noses but cannot smell. Idols are completely unaware and unable to sense anything .

v. 8: They have hands but cannot touch or help, feet but cannot walk, and they cannot even make a sound. Those who make or trust in idols become like them—spiritually blind and powerless. Idol worship leads people away from true understanding and from God (Psalm 115:8; Psalm 19:2-3 ; Romans 1:28; Jeremiah 10:3-11 ; Isaiah 44:9 ).

Confidence in GodThis section encourages everyone to trust in the Lord

v. 10: The priests, called the house of Aaron, are also told to trust in the Lord

v. 11: Everyone who fears the Lord

v. 12: We can trust God because he has always remembered and cared for his people. He is never forgetful or careless. In the past, God has helped us in our needs, heard our prayers, and kept his promises. This should make us even more confident to trust him now .

v. 13: God promises to bless everyone who fears him, no matter how important or unimportant they seem. He includes both the house of Israel and the house of Aaron, and also anyone who truly respects him. God’s blessings are for all who trust him (Psalm 115:13; Acts 10:34-35 ).

v. 14: The Lord

v. 15: Those who trust in the Lord

v. 16: The heaven belongs to God, but he has given the earth to people. He created the world for humans to live in and enjoy. Even though God gave us the earth, he still watches over us and expects us to honor him .

v. 17: Those who have died cannot praise the Lord

v. 18: Because we are alive, we should bless the Lord