Their
idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they don’t speak. [...] Those who make them will be like them; yes, everyone who trusts in them.
Psalm 115:4-8
Psalm 115 [1.] Not to us, Yahweh, not to us,
but to your name give glory,
for your loving kindness, and for your truth’s sake.
Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God, now?”
But our God is in the heavens.
He does whatever he pleases.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of men’s hands.
They have mouths, but they don’t speak.
They have eyes, but they don’t see.
They have ears, but they don’t hear.
They have noses, but they don’t smell.
They have hands, but they don’t feel.
They have feet, but they don’t walk,
neither do they speak through their throat.
Those who make them will be like them;
yes, everyone who trusts in them.
Israel, trust in Yahweh!
He is their help and their shield.
Psalm 115 [10.] House of Aaron, trust in Yahweh!
Meaning:
This passage is a powerful critique of idolatry and a contrast between the lifelessness of idols and the living God. It points out the futility of worshipping man-made objects, describing how these idols—though crafted to resemble humans—are utterly powerless. They cannot speak, see, hear, smell, touch, or walk. The psalmist draws a vivid picture of their uselessness, calling attention to the absurdity of trusting in something that lacks life or the ability to act.
- The Deceptive Nature of Idolatry
At the heart of this passage is the theme of deception and futility. The psalmist describes idols as "the work of men’s hands," emphasizing that they are created by humans rather than having any inherent divinity or power. Despite being made of precious materials like silver and gold, their external value doesn’t translate into spiritual worth or capability. Idols may look impressive on the outside, but they are essentially hollow.
This critique of idolatry isn’t just about the physical objects themselves—it’s also about the misplaced trust of those who worship them. Idolatry involves putting one's faith in something created rather than the Creator. By pointing out the lifelessness of idols, the psalmist is urging people to recognize the foolishness of trusting in things that cannot save, provide, or protect.
- A Comparison to the Living God
While idols are described as being mute, blind, and powerless, the contrast to the living God is profound. Throughout the psalms and the rest of Scripture, God is portrayed as the one true God who hears, speaks, sees, and acts on behalf of His people. Psalm 115:3, just before this passage, says, "Our God is in the heavens. He does whatever he pleases." This is a declaration of God’s sovereignty and power, setting Him apart from the impotent idols of the nations.
The God of Israel is not confined to an image or statue. He is a living, active God who engages with His creation. The idols described in this psalm have mouths but cannot speak, whereas God speaks through His Word, guiding His people with wisdom and truth (Psalm 119:105). The idols have ears but cannot hear, while God is the one who hears the cries of the afflicted and answers prayers (Psalm 34:17). The idols have eyes but cannot see, yet God’s eyes are always on His people, watching over them with care and compassion (Psalm 33:18).
- Becoming Like What We Worship
One of the most striking lines in this passage is verse 8: "Those who make them will be like them; yes, everyone who trusts in them." This is a profound statement about the nature of worship. What we worship shapes us. Those who worship lifeless idols become spiritually lifeless themselves, just as the idols are powerless and mute. Idolatry leads to spiritual deadness, dulling a person's ability to truly connect with the living God.
This truth extends beyond the literal idols of silver and gold mentioned in the psalm. While the physical idols of the ancient world are less common today, idolatry still exists in many forms. Anything we place above God—whether it’s material wealth, success, relationships, or even personal desires—can become an idol. When we give our hearts and minds to these things, we risk becoming like them: unable to hear God’s voice, blind to His truth, and disconnected from His life-giving presence.
Romans 1:21-23 echoes this idea by describing how people "exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things." As people turn away from God to worship created things, they become darkened in their understanding and separated from the life that comes from knowing God.
- Trusting in the True God
In contrast to those who trust in idols, Psalm 115 calls God’s people to trust in the Lord. Verses 9-11, immediately following this passage, say: "Israel, trust in Yahweh! He is their help and their shield. House of Aaron, trust in Yahweh! He is their help and their shield. You who fear Yahweh, trust in Yahweh! He is their help and their shield." The psalmist exhorts the people to place their confidence in God alone, not in lifeless idols.
Trusting in God means acknowledging His power, His presence, and His care. Unlike idols, God is able to act. He is a refuge and a protector, the one who defends and helps His people in times of trouble. The idols of the nations cannot save, but God is a shield for those who seek Him.
Application for Us Today
This passage challenges us to reflect on where we place our trust. Are we putting our confidence in things that cannot ultimately help or save us, or are we trusting in the living God who sees, hears, and acts on our behalf?
Beware of Modern Idols: While we may not bow down to statues of silver and gold, we must be mindful of the "idols" in our own lives. Anything that takes the place of God in our hearts can become an idol—whether it’s money, career, relationships, or even our own plans and ambitions. We should regularly evaluate what we are prioritizing and whether those things are drawing us closer to God or leading us away from Him.
The Transformative Power of Worship: Just as those who worship idols become like them, those who worship the living God are transformed by Him. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says that as we behold the glory of the Lord, we "are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory." When we fix our eyes on God and devote ourselves to Him, He shapes us to reflect His character—His love, grace, and truth.
Trust in God's Sovereignty: The psalm reminds us that God is not limited like idols. He is sovereign and active in our lives. Even when we don’t see immediate answers to our prayers or understand His ways, we can trust that He is at work for our good. Unlike idols, which are lifeless and ineffective, God is living and faithful, and He will never fail those who trust in Him.
Conclusion: Psalm 115:4-8 offers a powerful indictment of idolatry, contrasting the lifelessness of idols with the living power of God. The passage calls us to recognize the futility of trusting in anything other than the true and living God. As we consider this text, it challenges us to examine our own hearts and lives, ensuring that we are not allowing anything to take the place of God in our worship and trust.
Ultimately, what we worship shapes us. If we devote ourselves to lifeless things, we become spiritually dull and disconnected. But if we worship the living God, we are transformed into His likeness and experience the fullness of life that comes from knowing and trusting Him. May we, like the psalmist, put our trust in the Lord, who is our help and our shield.