Psalm 115:17

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 115:17

The dead praise not the Lord ,.... Not the dead in sin; such as the makers of idols, and those that trust in them, who are like unto them; men must be made spiritually alive, ere they can show forth the praises of God: nor the dead corporeally. The souls of departed saints can and do praise the Lord: these die not with their bodies, nor sleep in the grave; they go immediately to God and Christ, and are employed in the service of God continually; particularly in praising him, as do the angels... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 115:17

The dead praise not the Lord - המתים hammethim , those dead men who worshipped as gods dumb idols, dying in their sins, worship not Jehovah; nor can any of those who go down into silence praise thee: earth is the place in which to praise the Lord for his mercies, and get a preparation for his glory. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 115:17

Verse 17 17O God! the dead shall not praise thee In these words the prophet goes on to beseech God to show himself propitious towards his Church, were there no other object to be gained than the preventing mankind from being utterly cut off, and the preserving a people, not only to enjoy his kindness, but also to invoke and praise his name. After celebrating God’s peculiar favor towards the Israelites, and the beneficence which he displayed towards mankind at large, he has recourse to the mercy... 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 115:17

The dead praise not the Lord (comp. Psalms 6:5 ; Psalms 30:9 ; Psalms 88:11 ; Isaiah 38:18 ). Neither any that go down into silence . The notion of Sheol as a place of silence occurs in Psalms 94:17 , and strongly in Isaiah 38:18 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 115:17

The responsibility of being alive. "The dead praise not the Lord." Joy in life is the characteristic of every healthy, right-minded person. Pining for death is, altogether and always, a sign of a morbid condition of body or of mind. It is a delusion to imagine that religion requires of us an indifference to life, and a yearning for heaven. The psalmists and kings of the old Israelite times loved life and dreaded death. One says, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the... read more

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