Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Why should the nations sayThis phrase reflects a common challenge faced by the Israelites throughout their history. The surrounding nations often questioned the power and presence of Israel's God, especially during times of distress or defeat. This skepticism is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern context where gods were often associated with physical idols or visible manifestations. The Israelites, however, worshiped an invisible God, which was unique and sometimes led to mockery or doubt from other nations. This question is a rhetorical one, highlighting the tension between the visible and the invisible, the seen and the unseen. “Where is their God?”
This question underscores the challenge of faith in an unseen deity. In the ancient world, gods were typically represented by idols, and their power was demonstrated through tangible victories or blessings. The Israelites' God, Yahweh, was not represented by any physical form, as emphasized in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:4). This absence of a physical representation could lead to questions about His existence or power, especially during times of Israel's suffering or exile. Theologically, this question points to the faith required to trust in a God who is not seen but is active and sovereign. It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who is described as the "image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15), providing a tangible manifestation of God's presence and power. Persons / Places / Events 1. NationsRefers to the Gentile nations surrounding Israel, often seen as those who do not worship the God of Israel and question His presence and power. 2. IsraelThe chosen people of God, who are often the subject of scrutiny by other nations due to their unique relationship with Yahweh. 3. God (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, whose presence and power are questioned by the nations. Teaching Points Understanding the Skepticism of the NationsThe nations' question reflects a common skepticism about God's presence and power. Believers today may face similar questions from the world around them. God's Presence in Times of DoubtEven when others question, believers are called to trust in God's unseen presence and His faithfulness to His promises. Demonstrating Faith through ActionsOur lives should reflect the reality of God's presence, providing a living testimony to those who question His existence. Responding to Doubt with FaithLike the psalmist, we can respond to doubt by affirming our trust in God and His sovereignty over all nations. The Role of WitnessingBelievers are called to be witnesses to God's presence and power, answering the question "Where is their God?" through their testimony and actions. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we, as modern believers, respond to the skepticism of those who question God's presence in our lives? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate God's presence and power in our daily actions and decisions? 3. How does the questioning of God's presence by the nations in Psalm 115:2 relate to the challenges faced by Elijah in 1 Kings 18? 4. What are some practical ways to strengthen our faith in God's presence during times of doubt or questioning? 5. How can the truths found in Romans 1:20 help us answer the question, "Where is their God?" when faced with skepticism? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 32The incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites' faith in God's presence is tested, parallels the questioning of God's presence by the nations. 1 Kings 18Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, where God's power is demonstrated, answers the question of "Where is their God?" Psalm 42:3Similar questioning of God's presence during times of distress, showing a recurring theme in the Psalms. Romans 1:20Paul speaks of God's invisible qualities being evident in creation, countering the nations' questioning of God's presence. People Aaron, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Heathen, Nations, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 115:2 8702 agnosticism Psalm 115:2-7 1080 God, living Psalm 115:2-8 8780 materialism, and sin Psalm 115:2-11 8023 faith, necessity Library The Warning
"And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered abroad. Howbeit, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto Him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou today, even this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice. But he spake exceeding …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. MarkLetter xxxiv. To Marcella.
In reply to a request from Marcella for information concerning two phrases in Ps. cxxvii. ("bread of sorrow," v. 2, and "children of the shaken off," A.V. "of the youth," v. 4). Jerome, after lamenting that Origen's notes on the psalm are no longer extant, gives the following explanations: The Hebrew phrase "bread of sorrow" is rendered by the LXX. "bread of idols"; by Aquila, "bread of troubles"; by Symmachus, "bread of misery." Theodotion follows the LXX. So does Origen's Fifth Version. The Sixth …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome Christian Graces.
FAITH. FAITH! Peter saith, faith, in the very trial of it, is much more precious than gold that perisheth. If so, what is the worth or value that is in the grace itself? Faith is so great an artist in arguing and reasoning with the soul, that it will bring over the hardest heart that it hath to deal with. It will bring to my remembrance at once, both my vileness against God, and his goodness towards me; it will show me, that though I deserve not to breathe in the air, yet God will have me an heir …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of Idols a Defection from the True God.
1. God is opposed to idols, that all may know he is the only fit witness to himself. He expressly forbids any attempt to represent him by a bodily shape. 2. Reasons for this prohibition from Moses, Isaiah, and Paul. The complaint of a heathen. It should put the worshipers of idols to shame. 3. Consideration of an objection taken from various passages in Moses. The Cherubim and Seraphim show that images are not fit to represent divine mysteries. The Cherubim belonged to the tutelage of the Law. 4. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Messiah Derided Upon the Cross
All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. F allen man, though alienated from the life of God, and degraded with respect to many of his propensities and pursuits, to a level with the beasts that perish, is not wholly destitute of kind and compassionate feelings towards his fellow-creatures. While self-interest does not interfere, and the bitter passions …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Triumph Over Death and the Grave
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin: and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. T he Christian soldier may with the greatest propriety, be said to war a good warfare (I Timothy 1:18) . He is engaged in a good cause. He fights under the eye of the Captain of his salvation. Though he be weak in himself, and though his enemies are many and mighty, he may do that which in other soldiers …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Last Supper
189. On Thursday Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem for the last time. Knowing the temper of the leaders, and the danger of arrest at any time, Jesus was particularly eager to eat the Passover with his disciples (Luke xxii. 15), and he sent two of them--Luke names them as Peter and John--to prepare for the supper. In a way which would give no information to such a one as Judas, he directed them carefully how to find the house where a friend would provide them the upper room that was needed …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 115:2 NIVPsalm 115:2 NLTPsalm 115:2 ESVPsalm 115:2 NASBPsalm 115:2 KJV
Psalm 115:2 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
