Psalms 96:5 - Exposition

For all the gods of the nations are idols ; rather, vanities, or nothings. In the original there is a play upon the words—the elohim of the nations are mere elilim. Elilim is a favourite designation of the heathen gods in Isaiah. Compare the statement of St. Paul, "We know that an idol is nothing in the world " ( 1 Corinthians 8:4 ). But the Lord made the heavens. That which is nothing can do nothing, can make nothing. How far superior is Jehovah, who "made the heavens" (comp. Genesis 1:1 ; Isaiah 42:5 ; Isaiah 44:24 )!