Psalm 115:1-18 A Liturgical Hymn By Anonymous
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Psalm 115:1-18 Just Sayin’ Nuthin’
Psalm 115 is another Hallel psalm. It could have been written on the occasion of the defeat of the Arab nations recounted in 2 Chron. 20:20-30. More likely, it was written by Ezra to celebrate the remnant’s return to Israel after the Babylonian captivity. It was probably used at the dedication of the second temple (cf. Ezra 6:16).
When you ask God for something do you ask for yourself? The psalmist was asking his request for God’s glory (v. 1b). It was not for his own glory (v. 1a). He was asking according to Yahweh’s hesed or lovingkindness, His binding love for Israel (v. 1c).
The psalmist didn’t want the surrounding pagans to be able to gloat (v. 2). He understood that God was the center of the universe and whatever He wanted was what was important (v. 3).
He knew that the pagans’ idols were just valuable metals formed by men (v. 4). They were not true deity, in fact, they were shaped like mere men (vv. 5-7). Though they had features like humans, they didn’t have the abilities that humans had. They couldn’t speak, see, hear, smell, feel, walk, or talk. People who worship the idols will be as useless as the idols themselves. They will become just like the idols. They just say nuthin’.
Aaron was the first high priest and brother of Moses. He is invoked as the model for the Israelites (vv. 10, 12). Israel is exhorted to trust the Lord three times in verses 9-11. Those who trust the Only True God will be blessed (vv. 12-13). He will prosper the families of those who trust Him (v. 14). He is Lord of all and is able to do it (v. 15, cf. 1 Thess. 5:24).
God dwells in Heaven but He allows us on earth to get His will done down here (v. 16). We pray that in the Lord’s Prayer, “‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven'” (Matt. 6:10).
Did you realize that we only have the opportunity to witness to others about Christ’s salvation for us while we are down on earth? Everyone in Heaven is already saved. It is those down here on earth that need to hear the message. Are you spreading it? The dead aren’t spreading the good news, either in Heaven or in Hell (v. 17).
Now is the time to worship the Lord (v. 18). Now is the time to witness to what Christ has done for us and spread the Word! And then we will be proclaiming His praises throughout all eternity (v. 18b)!
Proverbs 15:18-19 Taking The High Way
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A guy with an anger problem is just trouble which is why it’s probably better not to marry one (v. 18a). A calm person is usually able to quell an altercation (v. 18b). Notice how Jesus didn’t say much during His trial. Often He was quiet even when you would have expected He would have slugged someone (cf. Mark 15:5). Paul was much more feisty (cf. Gal. 2:11).
You want to deal with lazy people about as much as you’d like to step on some thorns. In fact, it’s about the same thing since lazy people usually build a wall of thorns around themselves (v. 19a). They don’t get anywhere. On the other hand, hardworking believers get things done and move things quickly into the future as if they were on a super-highway (v. 19b).