Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The psalmist praises God, belittles idols, blesses his congregation, and motivates the people to praise and trust God.
II. Photo
The psalmist belittles idols: “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands!” (v. 4)
III. Select Verses
1-3: Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to Your name bring glory for the sake of Your love and Your faithfulness. Let the nations not say, “Where, now, is their God?” when our God is in heaven and all that He wills He accomplishes.
4-8: Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot touch, feet, but cannot walk; they can make no sound in their throats. Those who fashion them, all who trust in them, shall become like them.
9-11: O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. O you who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield.
16-18: The heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He gave over to man. The dead cannot praise the LORD, nor any who go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD now and forever. Hallelujah.
IV. Outline
1-3. Petition, Rationale
4-8. Lesson about idols, Imprecation
9-11. Exhortation
12-15. Wish, Blessing
16-18a. Motivation, Vow
18b. Postscript
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Gerstenberger, Erhard. Psalms Part 2 and Lamentations (Forms of Old Testament Literature; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001).
Photo copied from http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3031/3029346333_7e7d6ff635.jpg
