Psalm 115:16

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 115:9-18

In these verses, I. We are earnestly exhorted, all of us, to repose our confidence in God, and not suffer our confidence in him to be shaken by the heathens? insulting over us upon the account of our present distresses. It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those that do trust in them, a help to furnish them with and forward them in that which is good, and a shield to fortify them against and protect them from every... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 115:16

The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's ,.... Not only the visible heavens, the airy and starry regions, which are within our sight; but the heaven of heavens, the third heaven, into which the Apostle Paul was caught, and heard and saw things not to be uttered; and which is, as the Targum expresses it, "for the majesty of the glory of the Lord:' he is the maker, owner, proprietor, and possessor of them all: but the third heaven is more especially the seat of his majesty; where he... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 115:16

Verse 16 16The heavens, the heavens are Jehovah’s In this passage the prophet extols the bounty of God, and his paternal regard for the human race, in that, though he stood in need of nothing himself, he yet created the world, with all its fullness, for their use. How comes it to pass that the earth is every where covered with such a great variety of good things, meeting our eye in all directions, unless that God, as a provident father of a family, had designed to make provision for our wants?... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 115:1-18

Metrically, the psalm falls into four stanzas or strophes—the first of three verses ( Psalms 115:1-3 ), and the other three of five verses each ( Psalms 115:4-8 ; 9-13; 14-18). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 115:1-18

The heathen taunt, and what came of it. To Israel, recently returned from exile, that taunt still seemed to sound in their ears. In this psalm, apparently a liturgical one, and used at high festivals in the service of the second temple, the mocking question of those who had held them in captivity—"Where is now their God?" was yet audible, through the keenness with which it was remembered. The sting and anguish of it still rankled in their hearts; and this psalm is the result of it.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 115:1-18

The honor due to God. 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 . ( Psalms 115:1 .) 2. Because of his truth or faith fullness . ( Psalms 115:1 .) Emphatically "truth and grace came by Jesus Christ." 3. Though invisible , he reigns and rules from the exalted heaven ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 115:12-18

God's practical kindness, past and future. Much as is said in Psalms 115:12 , more is implied. Written in full, it would read thus: "The Lord has been mindful of us: he has blessed us; he will still be mindful of us, and will still bless us." We have— I. GOD 'S GREAT KINDNESS IN THE PAST . 1. His thoughtfulness of us. He has had us in his mind, has "remembered us in our low estate," has been concerned for our true welfare, has rejoiced in our well-being, has... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 115:14-16

Again the leader raises his voice and announces special—no longer general—blessings: (2) inheritance of the earth ( Psalms 115:16 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 115:16

The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's ; literally, the heavens are heavens of Jehovah . They belong to him—he dwells there; but it is otherwise with the earth. But the earth hath he given to the children of men. For man God framed this fair world; to man's use he adapted it with minutest care; and certainly not least for his own people, who are "the salt of the earth"—the human race by representation. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 115:16

The heaven - Hebrew, “The heavens.”Even the heavens are the Lord’s - A more literal and correct rendering of this would be, “The heavens are heavens for Jehovah.” That is, he has reserved the heavens as a home for himself, or as his special possession and home. Compare Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 5:34; Acts 7:49.But the earth ... - He propared earth for the abode of man; he has placed man upon it to cultivate it; he has given its fruits and productions to man, to be held and enjoyed by man; he has... read more

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