Psalms 115:13
he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Psalms 115:13
he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that God's blessings aren't just for the prominent figures, but extend equally to the overlooked and seemingly insignificant. It’s a powerful reminder that the "small" – the poor, the humble, the young – are just as included in God's favor as the "great," showing a profoundly inclusive divine perspective.
This verse is part of a larger plea to trust in God rather than idols. Following exhortations for Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the Lord to trust in Him as their help and shield, the psalm moves to pronouncements of blessing. It asserts that God will indeed bless those who fear Him, not just now but continuing into the future, extending this blessing to their descendants.
Who are these 'fearers of the Lord' that God so readily blesses? It's not about being afraid, but about having a deep reverence.
The verse speaks of those who 'fear the LORD.' This isn't a fearful, trembling dread, but a profound respect and awe for God's character and commands. It's an attitude that recognizes His greatness, His holiness, and His authority over all things. This reverence naturally leads to trust and obedience.
Think of it like this: You might 'fear' a wildfire because you respect its power and destructive potential. Similarly, we 'fear' the Lord because we recognize His absolute power and the devastating consequences of turning away from Him, but also His goodness and the security found in Him.
God's promise of blessing isn't reserved for a select few. He looks at everyone, regardless of status.
The phrase 'both the small and the great' is key here. It means God's blessings extend to everyone, without any distinction of rank, social standing, age, or level of spiritual maturity. Whether you're a leader or a follower, rich or poor, young or old, your place in God's sight is equal when it comes to His willingness to bless those who reverence Him.
This breaks down any human barriers we might try to put up. God's grace and favor are not conditional on worldly measures of success or importance. He sees the heart that fears Him and offers His abundant blessings freely.
This passage emphasizes that obedience to God's commands leads to blessings, directly paralleling the 'fear of the LORD' in Psalms 115:13 as the condition for divine favor.
Proverbs 3:9-10These verses promise material prosperity and abundance to those who honor the Lord with their wealth, echoing the idea that fearing God brings blessings, including earthly ones.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's declaration that God shows no partiality and accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right directly supports the inclusivity of 'both the small and the great' mentioned in Psalms 115:13.
Luke 1:50Mary's Magnificat highlights God's mercy extended to those who fear Him, across generations and social strata, reinforcing the broad scope of God's blessings promised in Psalms 115:13.
gillPsalms 115:13: "He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great."
He will bless them that fear the Lord,.... They shall want no good thing now, and have much goodness laid up for them to be enjoyed hereafter; the sun of righteousness rises upon them, and a book of remembrance is written on their account; the Lord delights in them, his eye is upon them; and they are blessed with more grace now, and will be blessed with glory hereafter. Both small and great; young and old, rich and po…
pulpitPsalms 115:13: "He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great."
Verse 13. - He will bless them that fear the Lord (comp. ver. 12). Both small and great; literally, the small with the great; i.e. all, without any exception.
This verse highlights that God's blessings aren't just for the prominent figures, but extend equally to the overlooked and seemingly insignificant. It’s a powerful reminder that the "small" – the poor, the humble, the young – are just as included in God's favor as the "great," showing a profoundly inclusive divine perspective.
This verse is part of a larger plea to trust in God rather than idols. Following exhortations for Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the Lord to trust in Him as their help and shield, the psalm moves to pronouncements of blessing. It asserts that God will indeed bless those who fear Him, not just now but continuing into the future, extending this blessing to their descendants.
This verse is part of a larger plea to trust in God rather than idols. Following exhortations for Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the Lord to trust in Him as their help and shield, the psalm moves to pronouncements of blessing. It asserts that God will indeed bless those who fear Him, not just now but continuing into the future, extending this blessing to their descendants.
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"he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great." — This verse highlights that God's blessings aren't just for the prominent figures, but extend equally to the overlooked and seemingly insignificant. It’s a powerful reminder that the "small" – the poo…