Any person’s character traits are patterned after the god that person worships.
This Psalm 115 is basically divided into 2 parts.
B1 Psalm 115:1-8 which covers the topic of the unbeliever
B2 Psalm 115:9-18 which covers the topic of the believer
The unbeliever (Psalm 115:1-8)
B1 Asks a question, “Where is your god?”
C1 Some person worships an idol, which is a statue or an object. It can be pointed out, seen, felt, etc. It is material, supposedly representing a god.
C2 This unbeliever seeing no statue or object in Israel asks, “Where is your god?”
C3 The believer answers
D1 Our God (Yahweh)
E1 He is in the heavens (atmosphere, universe, and beyond)
E2 He does whatever He pleases.
D2 Your god
E1 Is made of silver and gold
E2 Produced by an artisan.
E3 There traits
F1 They cannot talk even though they have mouths.
F2 They cannot see even though they have eyes.
F3 They cannot hear even though they have ears.
F4 They cannot smell even though they have noses.
F5 They cannot feel even though they have hands.
F6 They cannot move even though they have feet.
C4 Some thoughts
D1 The Psalmist glorifies God (Yahweh) in Psalm 115:1.
D2 In Psalm 115:8 two observations are given
E1 The Psalmist notes that people adapt their worldview and lifestyle to be like their god.
E2 All people are like this.
D3 We need to know the character traits of our God (Yahweh). Here is a good reference to start: Resources on Attributes of God
E1 Humans do not and cannot have the noncommunicable traits of God as omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, omnisapience, etc.
E2 Humans were created in the image of God to have communicable traits. Sin has corrupted our human nation, nevertheless, we do understand and hopefully have the communicable traits of God as love, mercy, faithfulness, anger, kindness, compassion, ability to reason, etc.
The believer ( Psalm 115:9-18)
B1 The Psalmist encourages (exhorts) all people to trust in God (Yahweh)
C1 Groups
D1 Israelites (Jews)
D2 Priests
D3 Everyone else (those who fear God)
C2 Definition
D1 Trust
E1 The Hebrew word for trust is בָּטַח bâṭach. It means to confide in, set hope on, and have confidence in someone. Also, it means to have no fear.
F1 2 Kings 18:5 NASB He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel; so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among those who were before him.
F2 1 Chronicles 5:20 NASB They were helped against them, and the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hand; for they cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him.
F3 1 John 4:18-19 GNB There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment. 19 We love because God first loved us. (note here is to strike terror in someone. The fear of God is respect and knowing we will face Him someday. Our respect for Him will drive us to our knees).
D2 Help and shield
E2 Help means help and aid. Exodus 18:4 NIV and the other was named Eliezer, for he said, “My father’s God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.”
E3 Shield means shield (a tool or a person who acts as a shield).
F1 Genesis 15:1 CSB After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great.
F2 1 Kings 10:17 NASB He made 300 shields of beaten gold, using three minas of gold on each shield, and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.
C2 Character traits of God (Yahweh) listed here
D1 Help and shield (giving us aid to help in our weaknesses and protector, especially of our souls).
D2 Concern (mindful) for us
E1 The word mindful is the Hebrew word זָכַר zâkar. It means to keep in memory and used in many different ways.
E2 Psalm 103:13-14 NASB Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.
D3 Blesses us.
E1 Note that God blesses Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear God (Gentiles).
E2 Small and great together refers to socioeconomic status, so rich or poor, having great authority or little authority, etc. He is just.
E3 When God increases blessings, He is showing favor.
F1 Let us be warned: Jeremiah 17:10-11 NRSV I the LORD test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings. 11 Like the partridge hatching what it did not lay, so are all who amass wealth unjustly; in mid-life it will leave them, and at their end they will prove to be fools.
F2 Ephesians 6:8 GW You know that your heavenly master will reward all of us for whatever good we do, whether we’re slaves or free people.
D4 Just and without prejudice (as mentioned above)
D5 Good as in bountiful providence. I’ll mention just 2 examples:
E1 1 Corinthians 10:13 HCSB No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.
E2 Romans 1:16 PickNT I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because it is the power of God for the salvation of each one who believes (for the Jew first, then the Greek)
D6 Creator and designer: Proverbs 3:19-20 GNB The LORD created the earth by his wisdom; by his knowledge he set the sky in place. 20 His wisdom caused the rivers to flow and the clouds to give rain to the earth.
D7 Giver (of gifts) here the earth. Just one of many, many gifts: Romans 5:5 LEB and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
C3 Two observations
D1 Nonbelievers do not praise God now or after they die.
D2 Believers do praise God now and after they die.
Psalms 145:1-3 GNB I will proclaim your greatness, my God and king; I will thank you forever and ever. 2 Every day I will thank you; I will praise you forever and ever. 3 The LORD is great and is to be highly praised; his greatness is beyond understanding.
A Few Thoughts on Psalm 115
Posted by Choco in 2019 at 16:53
Labels: Character traits, God’s blessings., Godly character, Psalms