This is the third of six Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118) that are recited in synagogues at various Jewish holiday (such as Passover.) There was a partial Hallel that omits the first 11 verses of Psalms 115 and 116.
Psalm 115 focuses on corporate praise.
Psalm 115:1-3, Our God is The God
Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.
Why do the nations say, "Where is their God?"
Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.
Praise begins for YHWH, God of the special nation of Israel, who rules as He pleases.
Alter suggests that the nations ask "Where is their God?" because Israel does not have any visible idols. The response is that the God of Israel is not reduced to a silly figurine but is far greater, far better, abiding in heaven. The psalmist follows this statement of God's majesty with an attack on the idols of the other nations.
Psalm 115:4-7, Silly idols
But their idols are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;
they have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but they cannot smell;
they have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but they cannot walk;
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
With an attitude that Isaiah would love (eg. Isaiah 44:6-20) , the psalmist mocks idols made by the hand of men, which can do nothing. The taunting question "Where is their God?" has been turned on its head -- the people of Israel have a real but invisible God, far above the puny visible idols.
Psalm 115:8, Silly idolaters
Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
The idol makers and idolaters are just as impotent as their idols. Alter suggests that this is a curse -- a wish from the psalmist that the idolaters be as impotent as their pieces of wood and metal. (An almost identical passage occurs in Psalm 135:15-18.)
Psalm 115:9-11, Help and shield
O house of Israel, trust in the LORD--
he is their help and shield.
O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD--
he is their help and shield.
You who fear him, trust in the LORD--
he is their help and shield.
Three chorus instruct the people of Israel to trust in YHWH, who protects them. The people of Israel are described in three ways, including the house of Aaron (the priests) and those "who fear him."
Psalm 115:12-13, Small and great alike, bless the Lord
The LORD remembers us and will bless us:
He will bless the house of Israel,
he will bless the house of Aaron,
he will bless those who fear the LORD--
small and great alike.
Israel and Aaron (the priests) are mentioned again and all, small or great, are told to revere and lean on YHWH.
Psalm 115:14-18a, The living praise Him
May the LORD make you increase,
both you and your children.
May you be blessed by the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
The highest heavens belong to the LORD,
but the earth he has given to man.
It is not the dead who praise the LORD,
those who go down to silence;
it is we who extol the LORD,
both now and forevermore.
The psalm ends with a blessing for the congregation. Praising YHWH is part of the blessing given to mankind. It is for the living to praise Him. The dead are silent in the grave but the people will praise YHWH forever. (A question raised below ny Kidner: Does "forevermore" here describe the eternal praise of the collective people of Israel or does it suggest that individuals who praise God will do that forever, living after the silent grave? Similar questions occur with Psalm 73:23-26.)
Psalm 115:18b, Hallelujah
Praise the LORD.
First published October 23, 2025; updated October 23, 2025
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