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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 115, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, {and} for thy truth's sake.
Psalms 115:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where {is} now their God?
Psalms 115:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 But our God {is} in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Psalms 115:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 Their idols {are} silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Psalms 115:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
Psalms 115:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
Psalms 115:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
Psalms 115:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 They that make them are like unto them; {so is} every one that trusteth in them.
Psalms 115:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he {is} their help and their shield.
Psalms 115:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he {is} their help and their shield.
Psalms 115:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he {is} their help and their shield.
Psalms 115:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless {us}; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
Psalms 115:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13 He will bless them that fear the LORD, {both} small and great. {and: Heb. with}
Psalms 115:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14 The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
Psalms 115:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15 Ye {are} blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.
Psalms 115:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16 The heaven, {even} the heavens, {are} the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
Psalms 115:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
Psalms 115:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.
Psalms 115:18 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.