Psalm 115:1-18 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for your mercy, and for your truth's sake. A call to the God of Israel, the living God, to rescue the honor of his Name from the reproach of the heathen. I. GOD IS WORTHY OF THE HIGHEST HONOR. In contrast to heathen idols. 1. Because of his loving-kindness or mercy. (Ver. 1.) 2. Because of his truth or faith fullness. (Ver. 1.) Emphatically "truth and grace came by Jesus Christ." 3. Though invisible, he reigns and rules from the exalted heaven. (Ver. 3.) The idols are earthly things, and have no power. 4. God is omnipotent, able to execute his own will. (Ver. 3.) The idols are dead things, with no will; and their worshippers become as dead as they are. II. GOD IS WORTHY OF TRUST. (Vers. 9-14.) 1. Because he is the Helper and Defender of those who trust in him. (Vers. 9-11.) 2. Because his past goodness is the pledge for future blessing. (Vers. 12-14.) He will bless and multiply both the great and the small together. III. GOD IS WORTHY OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP. (Vers. 15-18.) 1. As the Creator of heaven and earth. (Ver. 15.) And the heavens are for the dwelling-place of Jehovah. 2. Because he hath given the earth to men for their possession. 3. God must be praised now and forever - before we go down into the silence of Hades. (Vers. 17, 18.) "The Old Testament," says Delitzsch, "knows nothing of a heavenly exclusion that praises God without intermission, consisting not merely of angels, but also of the spirits of all men who die in the faith" (but see Psalm 103:20-22). - S. Parallel Verses KJV: Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. |
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