Psa 115 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Ps 115:1-18: Ps 115 In this hymn of thanksgiving for God’s blessings, the community ascribes all glory to the name of the Lord, who is the true source of hope and blessing. Meanwhile, those who trust in idols are greatly disappointed. The blessing of the Creator of heaven and earth extends to future generations (115:14 ), and especially to the priesthood (115:12 ). Summary for Ps 115:1-3: 115:1-3 The community confesses their faith that God will rescue them for the glory of his name.

Summary for Ps 115:1-18: Ps 115 ^a In this hymn of thanksgiving for God’s blessings, the community ascribes all glory to the name of the Lord, who is the true source of hope and blessing. Meanwhile, those who trust in idols are greatly disappointed. The blessing of the Creator of heaven and earth extends to future generations (115:14 ^b), and especially to the priesthood (115:12 ^c).
Summary for Ps 115:1-3: 115:1-3 ^d The community confesses their faith that God will rescue them for the glory of his name.
Summary for Ps 115:2-3: 115:2-3 ^e Where is their God? People deny God’s presence or power when he does not act as they think he should (cp. 14:1 ^f; 42:3 ^g, 10 ^h). However, God is in the heavens—he has all power, authority, and knowledge. He does as he wishes, not what people think he should do. He works out his plans in accord with his will (Eph 1:11 ⁱ) and acts in his own time and in ways he chooses.
Summary for Ps 115:4-11: 115:4-11 ^j This entire section is repeated in 135:15-20 ^k.

• Unlike the Lord (95:3-5 ^l), idols cannot do anything; they are good for nothing.
115:8 ^m Worshiping idols leads one astray and corrupts those who trust in them (Isa 44:20 ⁿ).
Summary for Ps 115:9-11: 115:9-11 ^o Israel ... priests ... you who fear the Lord: The psalmist calls on all those in the God-fearing community to commit their ways to the living God. The threefold address assures them that the Lord is their true helper and shield (cp. 118:2-4 ^p).
Summary for Ps 115:12-13: 115:12-13 ^q The groups named in 115:9-11 ^r receive assurance of the Lord’s blessing, regardless of their social status (see 113:8 ^s).
Summary for Ps 115:14-15: 115:14-15 ^t The psalmist blesses (107:37-38 ^u, 41 ^v) all who trust in and fear the Lord. The Creator will care for the families of those who fear him.

• who made heaven and earth: This statement speaks of the Lord’s all-encompassing power in creation.
Summary for Ps 115:16-18: 115:16-18 ^w The heavens belong to the Lord:’s: God’s exaltation begins in heaven (113:4 ^x), far above the gods of the nations. Of course, the earth also belongs to him (47:9 ^y; 95:4 ^z).

• The dead cannot participate in God’s blessings. The living praise God in thanksgiving for his blessings (79:13 ^aa).