Psalms 115:1
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The repeated "Not to us" isn't just humility; it’s a fierce redirection of glory. They're not just saying they don't deserve credit, but that any deliverance must be solely for the sake of God's own reputation and the promises He made out of His steadfast love.
The Psalmist is facing intense pressure from surrounding nations who mock Israel's God, questioning His power and presence. In response to this taunting, the speaker humbly pleads with God not to let the enemies have the last word, but to act for His own glory, demonstrating His steadfast love and faithfulness to His covenant people.
Have you ever felt like you're trying to earn God's favor? This verse offers a powerful counter-narrative.
The repetition of "Not to us, O LORD, not to us" isn't just a humble confession; it's a profound protestation. It declares that our actions, our prayers, and even our suffering do not earn God's favor. We have no inherent merit to bring to the table.
Instead, the focus immediately shifts: "but to your name give glory." This isn't about seeking recognition for ourselves, but ensuring God's name is honored. It's a prayer that God would act in such a way that His character and power are displayed to the world.
Why would an all-powerful God intervene on behalf of His people? The answer lies deep within His own character.
The reason given for glorifying God's name is crucial: 'for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!' This highlights that God's actions are not arbitrary, but flow from His very nature.
When we pray or praise, we are calling on God to be true to Himself – to demonstrate His enduring love and unfailing faithfulness.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal and covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, revealing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people. It is the name by which God identifies Himself to Moses at the burning bush.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the manifestation of God’s character, presence, honor, and supreme importance. Giving glory to God means acknowledging Him as the source of all value and excellence.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
Often translated as 'lovingkindness' or 'mercy,' this term describes God’s loyal, covenant-keeping love that is rooted in His character rather than the merit of the recipient.
emunah · Hebrew Noun
This verse likely arose during a moment of intense national crisis, such as the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. The plea 'Not to us, O LORD, not to us' highlights the desperate need to attribute any deliverance solely to God's character—His mercy and faithfulness—especially when enemies were mocking their God. It underscores that true faith seeks God's glory, not human renown, even in the face of annihilation.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, capturing many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event placed immense pressure on King Hezekiah and the people of Judah.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian army surrounds Jerusalem, and the people face extreme distress and potential destruction. This crisis included taunts from the enemy questioning God's ability to deliver them.
c. 701 BC
Divine Deliverance
An extraordinary deliverance occurs, with the Assyrian army suddenly decimated (likely by plague), causing Sennacherib to withdraw and Jerusalem to be saved.
Post-Exilic Period (e.g., 5th-4th Century BC)
Temple Rebuilding and Worship
After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people re-established their worship in Jerusalem. Psalms were central to this renewed communal life and identity.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 115:1, explaining that God's actions are for His own glory, not due to the people's merit, preventing the nations from claiming God is powerless.
Ezekiel 20:9Similar to Psalm 115:1, this verse highlights God's action for the sake of His name, showing His commitment to not letting His holiness be profaned among the nations.
Daniel 9:19This prayer mirrors Psalm 115:1 in its humble plea for God to act not for the people's sake, but for the glory of His name and His righteousness, especially in the face of judgment and exile.
Romans 11:36This New Testament passage powerfully affirms the ultimate source of all things, echoing the psalmist's focus on God's glory as the origin and end of creation and salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:31This verse directly quotes Jeremiah 9:23-24, which itself aligns with the heart of Psalm 115:1, urging believers to boast only in the Lord, as all true glory belongs to Him.
clarkePsalms 115:1: "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake."
Not unto us, O Lord - We take no merit to ourselves; as thine is the kingdom, and the power in that kingdom, so is thy glory. For thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake - Thy mercy gave thy promise, thy truth fulfilled it.
poolePsalms 115:1: "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake."
THE ARGUMENT The occasion of this Psalm was to manifest some eminent danger or distress of the people of Israel from some idolatrous nations; but whether it was that mentioned 2 Chronicles 20 , or what other, is but matter of conjecture, and not worth our inquiry. The church prayeth to God to keep them, for his glorious name, Psalm 115:1-3 , from the vanity of idol worship, P…
The repeated "Not to us" isn't just humility; it’s a fierce redirection of glory. They're not just saying they don't deserve credit, but that any deliverance must be solely for the sake of God's own reputation and the promises He made out of His steadfast love.
The Psalmist is facing intense pressure from surrounding nations who mock Israel's God, questioning His power and presence. In response to this taunting, the speaker humbly pleads with God not to let the enemies have the last word, but to act for His own glory, demonstrating His steadfast love and faithfulness to His covenant people.
The Psalmist is facing intense pressure from surrounding nations who mock Israel's God, questioning His power and presence. In response to this taunting, the speaker humbly pleads with God not to let the enemies have the last word, but to act for His own glory, demonstrating His steadfast love and faithfulness to His covenant people.
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The quality of being reliable, true, and firm; it refers to God's unwavering consistency in keeping His promises and acting in accordance with His word.
"Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!" — The repeated "Not to us" isn't just humility; it’s a fierce redirection of glory. They're not just saying they don't deserve credit, but that any deliverance must be solely for the sake of God's own…
