They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.
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 hands, but they handle not. Looking lower down upon the images, the Psalmist says, "They have hands, but they handle not, "they cannot receive that which is handed to them, they cannot grasp the sceptre of power or the sword of vengeance, they can neither distribute benefits nor dispense judgments, and the most trifling act they are utterly unable to perform. An infant's hand excels them in power.
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