“Not to us, Lord, not to us,
But to Your name give glory
Because of Your mercy, because of Your truth.”

“Why should the nations say,
‘Where, then, is their God?’
But our God is in the heavens;
He does whatever He pleases.”

“Their idols are silver and gold,
The work of human hands.
They have mouths, but they cannot speak;
They have eyes, but they cannot see;”

“They have ears, but they cannot hear;
They have noses, but they cannot smell;
They have hands, but they cannot feel;
They have feet, but they cannot walk;
They cannot make a sound with their throat.”

“Those who make them will become like them,
Everyone who trusts in them.”

“Israel, trust in the Lord;
He is their help and their shield.
House of Aaron, trust in the Lord;
He is their help and their shield.
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord;
He is their help and their shield.”

“The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us.
He will bless the house of Israel;
He will bless the house of Aaron.”

“He will bless those who fear the Lord,
The small together with the great.
May the Lord increase you,
You and your children.”

“May you be blessed of the Lord,
Maker of heaven and earth.
The heavens are the heavens of the Lord,
But the earth He has given to the sons of mankind.”

“The dead do not praise the Lord,
Nor do any who go down into silence;
But as for us, we will bless the Lord
From this time and forever.
Praise the Lord!”

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Context and Meaning

Psalm 115 is a communal declaration of trust in God and a direct rejection of idolatry and human pride. Written likely during a time of national vulnerability, it begins with a powerful refusal to seek glory for self and ends with praise for God’s enduring care.

It contrasts the living, sovereign God with lifeless idols, and encourages every level of society—Israel, priests, and all God-fearers—to trust fully in the Lord.

Key Themes:

1. God Alone Deserves Glory: Worship is not about us—it is about His mercy and truth (v. 1).
2. False gods are powerless: Idols have no life, no voice, no strength (v. 4–8).
3. Trust in God brings blessing: The Lord is mindful of His people—He helps, shields, and increases them (v. 9–15).
4. God is the Living Maker: He rules heaven and entrusted earth to humanity (v. 16).
5. The living are called to praise: While the dead are silent, the living bless His name forever (v. 17–18).

Reflection and Impact

Psalm 115 reminds us to take our eyes off ourselves and off all man-made sources of hope:

• Glory belongs to God alone – “Not to us, but to Your name give glory” (v. 1) reflects Isaiah 42:8 and Romans 11:36—everything flows from and points back to Him.
• Idols diminish those who trust in them – “Those who make them become like them” (v. 8). This echoes Jeremiah 10:14–15 and Romans 1:23–25, showing how idolatry deforms the soul.
• God is trustworthy, powerful, and present – “He does whatever He pleases” (v. 3) confirms His sovereignty, like Daniel 4:35 and Psalm 135:6.
• His blessings are generational – “May the Lord increase you and your children” (v. 14) is a reflection of God’s covenant faithfulness (Genesis 17:7; Psalm 103:17).
• The living should be loud in praise – “But as for us, we will bless the Lord” (v. 18), urging us to do what idols cannot—give glory with joyful lips (Hebrews 13:15).

Application

• Reject Idolatry in All Forms: Examine what you place your trust in—only God is worthy of your hope.
• Humble Yourself in Worship: Let every prayer and praise be rooted in God’s glory, not your own.
• Trust God Through Uncertainty: He is your help and shield, regardless of your role or status.
• Leave a Legacy of Praise: Teach your household to bless the Lord—now and forever.

Closing Thought

Psalm 115 calls us to lift our eyes from lifeless idols and self-centered thinking to the living, glorious God who helps, shields, blesses, and deserves all praise.
“Not to us, O Lord, but to Your name give glory.”