Psalm 115

Introduction

We’re here on earth. What should we do with our time on this planet?

We’re alive. What should we do with our life?

Instinctively we know that we should praise, worship, or give glory to someone or something.

But ultimately there are only two options: (1) We can worship the one true God, or (2) We can worship idols.

Psalm 115 is a call to hallel or praise Yah, which is short for Yahweh.

It is an argument for worshipping the one true God and an argument against worshipping idols.

So now you get to take your pick: Psalm 115’s arguments for worshipping God or Psalm 115’s arguments for not worshipping idols

Major Ideas

Arguments for not worshipping idols

These verses expand on the same truth as found in Deuteronomy 4:28. It is reminiscent of Isaiah 44:9-20.

v. 4 - “Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man’s hands.”

v. 5a - “They have mouths, but they cannot speak;”

v. 5b - “They have eyes, but they cannot see;”

v. 6a - “They have ears, but they cannot hear”

v. 6b - “They have noses, but they cannot smell;”

v. 7a - “They have hands, but they cannot feel;”

v. 7b - “They have feet, but they cannot walk;”

v. 7c - “They cannot make a sound with their throat.”

v. 8 - “Those who make them will become like them, Everyone who trusts in them.”

“Lifeless and useless” ESV Study Bible

Arguments for worshipping God

v. 1 - “Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.”

Exodus 34:6 NASB95

6 Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;

vv. 2-3 - Because “our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.”

vv. 9-11 - “He is (our) help and (our) shield.”

‘house of Aaron’ - “the specific family from within the tribe of Levi that supplied the priests” ESV SB

vv. 12-13 - “The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us...”

v. 16 - “…the earth He has given to the sons of men.”

v. 17 - “The dead do not praise the LORD, Nor do any who go down into silence;”

Conclusion

Benediction (vv. 14-15)

Commitment (v. 18)

Jesus?