They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.
This psalm was written when God's people lay under heavy affliction, and they cry out to Him not for their own honor but for His name's sake, lest the heathen mock Him and say, Where is their God? From their distress they take courage and boast in the madness of idol-worship, magnifying their own blessedness in being chosen by God.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 115:1-18
They have ears, but they hear not. The Psalmist might have pointed to the monstrous ears with which some heathen deities are disfigured, —truly they have ears; but no prayer of their rotaries, though shouted by a million voices, can ever be heard by them. How can gold and silver hear, and how can a rational being address petitions to one who cannot even hear his words?
Let no man take credit for his own mercy or success, but ascribe all glory to God alone. Whatever good we do comes by His grace; whatever good we have comes by His mercy. All our crowns belong at the feet of Him on the throne. In prayer, seek His glory above your own benefit, and make that your highest end.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 115:1-8