Psalms 115 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
1Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.
PSALM 115
Psa 115:1-18. The Psalmist prays that God would vindicate His glory, which is contrasted with the vanity of idols, while the folly of their worshippers is contrasted with the trust of God's people, who are encouraged to its exercise and to unite in the praise which it occasions.
1-3. The vindication of God's mercy and faithfulness (Psa 25:10; 36:6) is the "glory" of His "name," which is desired to be illustrated in the deliverance of His people, as the implied mode of its manifestation. In view of the taunts of the heathen, faith in His dominion as enthroned in the heaven (Psa 2:4; 11:4) is avowed.
2Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
PSALM 115
Psa 115:1-18. The Psalmist prays that God would vindicate His glory, which is contrasted with the vanity of idols, while the folly of their worshippers is contrasted with the trust of God's people, who are encouraged to its exercise and to unite in the praise which it occasions.
1-3. The vindication of God's mercy and faithfulness (Psa 25:10; 36:6) is the "glory" of His "name," which is desired to be illustrated in the deliverance of His people, as the implied mode of its manifestation. In view of the taunts of the heathen, faith in His dominion as enthroned in the heaven (Psa 2:4; 11:4) is avowed.
3But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
PSALM 115
Psa 115:1-18. The Psalmist prays that God would vindicate His glory, which is contrasted with the vanity of idols, while the folly of their worshippers is contrasted with the trust of God's people, who are encouraged to its exercise and to unite in the praise which it occasions.
1-3. The vindication of God's mercy and faithfulness (Psa 25:10; 36:6) is the "glory" of His "name," which is desired to be illustrated in the deliverance of His people, as the implied mode of its manifestation. In view of the taunts of the heathen, faith in His dominion as enthroned in the heaven (Psa 2:4; 11:4) is avowed.
4Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
4-7. (Compare Is 40:18-20; 44:9-20).
5They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
4-7. (Compare Is 40:18-20; 44:9-20).
6They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
4-7. (Compare Is 40:18-20; 44:9-20).
7They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
4-7. (Compare Is 40:18-20; 44:9-20).
8They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
8. every one that trusteth--they who trust, whether makers or not.
9O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
9-13. The repetitions imply earnestness.
10O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
9-13. The repetitions imply earnestness.
11Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
9-13. The repetitions imply earnestness.
12The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
9-13. The repetitions imply earnestness.
13He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.
9-13. The repetitions imply earnestness.
14The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
14. Opposed to the decrease pending and during the captivity.
15Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.
15-17. They were not only God's peculiar people, but as living inhabitants of earth, assigned the work of His praise as monuments of divine power, wisdom, and goodness.
16The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
15-17. They were not only God's peculiar people, but as living inhabitants of earth, assigned the work of His praise as monuments of divine power, wisdom, and goodness.
17The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
15-17. They were not only God's peculiar people, but as living inhabitants of earth, assigned the work of His praise as monuments of divine power, wisdom, and goodness.
18But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.
18. Hence let us fulfil the purpose of our creation, and evermore show forth His praise.