The Futility of Idolatry: Psalm 115
“1) Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. 2) Why should the nations say, “Where, now, is their God?” 3) But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. 4) Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man’s hands. 5) They have mouths, but they cannot speak; They have eyes, but they cannot see; 6) They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell; 7) They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. 8) Those who make them will become like them, Everyone who trusts in them.” Psalms 115:1-8
This Psalm compares the futility of idolatry with the worship of true Creator God. I have been to India many times. At surface glance, Hinduism and other religions based on idolatry seem so absurd. How could anyone worship an idol or image fashioned by human hands?
They have mouths, but they cannot speak; they they have eyes, but they cannot see; They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell; They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. Yet they have power over many people. How can that be?
Paul tells the full story in 1 Corinthians 10:19-20. Behind an idol is demonic activity. Physical objects like an idol can channels demonic activity. Paul warned the Christians in Corinth to have no part with them, lest they suddenly begin to contract demonic activity. The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10)
This is also the full story behind Romans 1:18-25 and the decline of human civilization. A violation of the first and second Commandments, usher people into deception and rebellion against God. (See Exodus 20:3-4) It leads to a spiritual, moral and philosophical decay.
The rest of Psalm 115, gives a contrast with the worship of true Creator God. (Psalm 115:9-18) He alone is God. He created all things. Truth is found in Him. He has no equal. He shares His glory with none. Worshipping Him and walking with Him has unspeakable blessings. These verses constitute an amazing study by themselves.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“1) Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. 2) Why should the nations say, “Where, now, is their God?” 3) But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. 4) Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man’s hands. 5) They have mouths, but they cannot speak; They have eyes, but they cannot see; 6) They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell; 7) They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. 8) Those who make them will become like them, Everyone who trusts in them.” Psalms 115:1-8
This Psalm compares the futility of idolatry with the worship of true Creator God. I have been to India many times. At surface glance, Hinduism and other religions based on idolatry seem so absurd. How could anyone worship an idol or image fashioned by human hands?
They have mouths, but they cannot speak; they they have eyes, but they cannot see; They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell; They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. Yet they have power over many people. How can that be?
Paul tells the full story in 1 Corinthians 10:19-20. Behind an idol is demonic activity. Physical objects like an idol can channels demonic activity. Paul warned the Christians in Corinth to have no part with them, lest they suddenly begin to contract demonic activity. The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10)
This is also the full story behind Romans 1:18-25 and the decline of human civilization. A violation of the first and second Commandments, usher people into deception and rebellion against God. (See Exodus 20:3-4) It leads to a spiritual, moral and philosophical decay.
The rest of Psalm 115, gives a contrast with the worship of true Creator God. (Psalm 115:9-18) He alone is God. He created all things. Truth is found in Him. He has no equal. He shares His glory with none. Worshipping Him and walking with Him has unspeakable blessings. These verses constitute an amazing study by themselves.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
