Bible Commentaries

Psalm 115:1-18.

V:1 , 2. " Because he promised to de" liver them, not for their sakes, but for his name; they " ground their prayer upon this promise." The verses are evidently a prayer for deliverance, though often quoted as a thanksgiving for benefits received; and they may properly be thus applied. God was intreated to help his people; not because they deserved it, or that they might be Psalm 74:10-11; Psalm 74:21-22; Psalm 79:8-13. Deuteronomy 32:26-27. 2 Kings 19:14-19. Joel 2:15-17)

Perhaps the psalm was written during Sennacherib's invasion of Judah.

V:3-7. (Notes, Psalm 2:4-6. Daniel 4:34-37. Matthew 6:9. Ephesians 1:9-12.) "A beautiful contrast " is formed between the God of Israel, and the heathen " idols. He made every thing; they are themselves made " by men : he doeth whatsoever he pleaseth; they can do " nothing : he seeth the distresses, heareth the prayers, " accepteth the offerings, cometh to the assistance, and " effected! the salvation of his servants; they are blind, " deaf, and dumb, senseless, motionless, and impotent." Bp. Home. (Marg. Ref.)

V:8. The makers and worshippers of idols renounce their reason and understanding, and willingly become as stupid as the very objects of their worship : " having eyes " they see not, having ears they hear not," &c. " They "are spiritually blind, deaf, dumb, lame, impotent; and " when their idols are destroyed, they will perish in like manner." Bp. Home.

(Notes, Jeremiah 10:3-16. Habakkuk 2:18-20.)

V:9 -13. The Israelites in general, and the priests in particular, (who were required to teach the people by example, as well as precept,) were exhorted to trust in the Lord; they were reminded how he had, in ail ages, shewn himself " the Help and Shield," the Upholder and Defender, of such as thus relied on him; and assured that he would bless without exception, every one of-those who feared him. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Psalm 118:1-4. Psalm 135:15-21.) The proselytes also, from other nations, seem intended by those " who fear the LORD."

V:14- 18. The increase of the church, by the conversion of the Gentiles, as well as the still greater prosperity of Israel, is here predicted. (Marg. Ref.) There is a peculiar animation in the concluding part of the Psalm 6:5. Psalm 30:9-10. Psalm 146:5-6. Luke 16:1-8; Luke 16:19-31 .) But grace is our own, and will never be taken from us. As to the rest, a little will bear the expenses of our pilgrimage : let us then be content, and thankful for our allowance, and moderate in the use of it. Let us communicate of our little to those that have less : and, if any have much entrusted to them, let them prove their interest in the true riches, by faithfully improving " the mammon of unrighteousness." (Note, Luke 16:9-13.) As death will terminate our opportunities of praising God on earth; let us now redeem the time, that we may glorify him with our lips and in our lives. Then we shall shortly join the company before the throne, and assist them in blessing our God; and our bodies will be raised from the silent grave, to join in this delightful work to all eternity : while successive generations shall be raised up on earth, increasing multitudes of whom will be zealously employed, in celebrating the praises of our God, till time shall be no more " Hallelujah, Praise the Lord."