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Psalms 115

Psalms 115 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 115 lifts the focus away from human pride and toward God alone. It contrasts the living Lord with powerless idols, then calls Israel and all who fear the Lord to trust Him. The chapter ends with blessing, confidence, and praise that continues now and forever.

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What happens in Psalms 115?

The psalm begins with a clear request that glory go to the Lord alone, grounded in His faithful love and truth. When others question where Israel's God is, the answer is that God reigns in heaven and acts according to His will. The chapter then mocks idols as objects made by human hands, unable to do what living beings can. In contrast, those who trust such things become spiritually like them. The people are then urged three times to trust the Lord, who is their help and shield. The psalm closes with a promise of blessing for God's people and a final call to praise Him forever.

Psalm 115 is part of the group of psalms that praise the Lord and strengthen trust in Him. It follows a celebration of God's power in deliverance and continues the theme of God's rule over all nations and false gods. The chapter speaks to a community facing doubt or pressure, reminding them that the Lord alone is active, faithful, and worthy of worship.

Themes to notice

  • God's gloryThe psalm gives all honor to the Lord and rejects any claim that people deserve the credit.
  • Trust over idolsIt contrasts the living God with lifeless idols and warns against placing confidence in what cannot save.
  • Blessing and praiseThe chapter ends by promising God's blessing and calling His people to bless Him forever.

Questions for Psalms 115

  • What does this psalm teach about giving glory to God instead of to ourselves?
  • How does the description of idols shape the warning about what we trust?
  • What does it mean for God to be our help and shield in daily life?

Read the full text of Psalms 115 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 115

To Your Name Be the Glory

1Not to us, O LORD, not to us,

but to Your name be the glory,

because of Your loving devotion,

because of Your faithfulness.

2Why should the nations say,

“Where is their God?”

3Our God is in heaven;

He does as He pleases.

4Their idols are silver and gold,

made by the hands of men.

5They have mouths, but cannot speak;

they have eyes, but cannot see;

6they have ears, but cannot hear;

they have noses, but cannot smell;

7they have hands, but cannot feel;

they have feet, but cannot walk;

they cannot even clear their throats.

8Those who make them become like them,

as do all who trust in them.

9O Israel, trust in the LORD!

He is their help and shield.

10O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD!

He is their help and shield.

11You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD!

He is their help and shield.

12The LORD is mindful of 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 the LORD—

small and great alike.

14May the LORD give you increase,

both you and your children.

15May you be blessed by the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

16The highest heavens belong to the LORD,

but the earth He has given to mankind.

17It is not the dead who praise the LORD,

nor any who descend into silence.

18But it is we who will bless the LORD,

both now and forevermore.

Hallelujah!

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