Psalms 115:1-18 - Homilies By C. Short

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 . ( Psalms 115:3 .) The idols are earthly things, and have no power.

4. God is omnipotent , able to execute his own will . ( Psalms 115:3 .) The idols are dead things, with no will; and their worshippers become as dead as they are.

II. GOD IS WORTHY OF TRUST . ( Psalms 115:9-14 .)

1. Because he is the Helper and Defender of those who trust in him . ( Psalms 115:9-11 .)

2. Because his past goodness is the pledge for future blessing . ( Psalms 115:12-14 .) He will bless and multiply both the great and the small together.

III. GOD IS WORTHY OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP . ( Psalms 115:15-18 .)

1. As the Creator of heaven and earth . ( Psalms 115:15 .) And the heavens are for the dwelling-place of Jehovah.

2. Because he hath given the earth to men for their possession .

3. God must be praised now and forever—before we go down into the silence of Hades . ( Psalms 115:17 , Psalms 115:18 .) "The Old Testament," says Delitzsch, "knows nothing of a heavenly exclusion that praises God without intermission, consisting not merely of angels, but also of the spirits of all men who die in the faith" (but see Psalms 103:20-22 ).—S.