Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
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
Their idols are silver and gold, mere dead inert matter; at the best only made of precious metal, but that metal quite as powerless as the commonest wood or clay. The value of the idol shows the folly of the maker in wasting his substance, but certainly does not increase the power of the image, since there is no more life in silver and gold than in brass or iron.
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