(1) Background:
(Kel) The general understanding is that the psalm came from the exile or post-exilic experience because it reflects a period of national difficulty when nations oppressed them, but also when they found assurance in this world. The exchange between the pagan taunts of the faith and Israel’s mocking of their idols certainly would capture the experience of the exile and deliverance (see Ps. 137). Even though the contents of the psalm reflect such an opposition from the nations, the full psalm is part of the liturgy and praise in the temple, in which the people hear God’s blessing and express their confidence.
...Accordingly, Kraus cautions that the detailed circumstance of the setting cannot be ascertained.
...Accordingly, Kraus cautions that the detailed circumstance of the setting cannot be ascertained.
(2) Difficult verses
115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us!
But to your name bring honor,
for the sake of your loyal love and faithfulness.
(3) Structure
But to your name bring honor,
for the sake of your loyal love and faithfulness.
115:2 Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
(NET) The psalmist asks the LORD to demonstrate his loyal love and faithfulness, not simply so Israel may benefit, but primarily so that the LORD will receive honor among the nations, who will recognize, contrary to their present view (see v. 2), that Israel’s God is committed to his people.
“Where is their God?”
(NET) The psalmist asks the LORD to demonstrate his loyal love and faithfulness, not simply so Israel may benefit, but primarily so that the LORD will receive honor among the nations, who will recognize, contrary to their present view (see v. 2), that Israel’s God is committed to his people.
115:3 Our God is in heaven!
He does whatever he pleases!
He does whatever he pleases!
"pleases"=(BDB) delight in, have pleasure in
(NET) He does whatever he pleases. Such sovereignty is characteristic of kings
Then in v.4-8, the psalmist put in contrast the sovereignty of God of the inability of the idols of the nations so that Israel would made the right choice regarding the object of their worship v.9-11.
115:8 Those who make them will end up like them,
as will everyone who trusts in them.
(NET) Because the idols are lifeless, they cannot help their worshipers in times of crisis. Consequently the worshipers end up as dead as the gods in which they trust.
as will everyone who trusts in them.
(NET) Because the idols are lifeless, they cannot help their worshipers in times of crisis. Consequently the worshipers end up as dead as the gods in which they trust.
(3) Structure
On one hand, the psalmist called upon the LORD to demonstrate His love and faithfulness. On the other hand, the psalmist called upon His people to trust in the LORD v.1-11. When His people do so, the psalmist was confident that the LORD would take notice and bless them v.12-15. Therefore, he equated his call to trust the LORD as if a call to be blessed v.14-15.
(4) Reflection
In their difficult times, those who worship idols might live better than the Israelites and therefore the psalmist reminded his fellow countrymen not to give up their faith. Remember God's sovereignty. All they needed to do is to pray and trust in Him.
Are we the faithful followers and continue to trust in Him v.11,13? Do we trust in His sovereignty even in difficult times? Do we see the limitation of idols and will not change our object of worship? Have we prayed and let God know that we trust in Him?
Audrey
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