Psalms 115:3-7
Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it sounds like a simple statement of God's power, the phrase "he does all that he pleases" actually implies that nothing happens without God's will or permission, not just power. This means even the hardships and seeming defeats experienced by God's people are part of His sovereign plan, not a sign of His weakness.
Facing the taunts of the nations who mock their seemingly abandoned God, the psalmist begins to argue for Israel's God by first asserting His supreme authority in heaven. This declaration serves as a direct contrast to the lifeless idols of their enemies, emphasizing that their God actively rules and has sovereignly accomplished all His purposes, even allowing their current distress for reasons known only to Him.
When things feel out of control on earth, where do you look for answers? The psalmist points us to a specific location that changes everything.
The verse starts with a declaration: 'Our God is in the heavens.' This isn't just a geographical statement; it's a declaration of His supreme authority and position above all earthly powers and troubles. While idols are confined to temples or the hands of men, our God reigns from the ultimate vantage point. This means He is not limited by circumstances, nor is He caught off guard by world events. He is enthroned, looking down on all the chaos and complexities of life, perfectly aware and in complete control.
Does God control everything, even the difficult stuff? This verse gives us a resounding 'yes,' but with profound implications.
The second part of the verse, 'he does all that he pleases,' is a powerful statement about God's absolute sovereignty. It means that nothing happens outside of His will or permission. This includes the triumphs and the trials we face. While it might be tempting to focus on the seemingly uncontrollable events of life, the psalmist anchors our hope in the One whose pleasure directs all things.
Understand the original words
shamayim · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting the dwelling place of God, signifying His transcendence, sovereignty, and rule over all creation from above the earthly realm.
atsab · Hebrew Noun
A physical image or representation of a deity, which the Bible condemns as a futile and sinful replacement for the living, transcendent God. Idols are portrayed as powerless because they are created by human effort.
ʾōzen · Hebrew Noun
An outward sense organ used metaphorically in Scripture to signify the capacity for understanding and obedience to divine instruction. To 'have ears but not hear' is a characteristic of spiritual deadness or idolatry.
ʾap̄ · Hebrew Noun
This psalm likely arose during a time of national crisis, such as the Assyrian invasion, where the taunts of the surrounding nations questioned God's presence and power. The declaration that 'our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases' served as a powerful affirmation of faith in God's ultimate sovereignty and control, even amidst dire circumstances.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah and conquered many cities, besieging Jerusalem. This period was marked by intense fear and dependence on God, as detailed in Isaiah 36-37 and 2 Kings 18-19.
c. 701 BC
Hezekiah's Prayer and Isaiah's Prophecy
King Hezekiah, facing overwhelming Assyrian forces, turned to God in prayer, and the prophet Isaiah delivered God's message of deliverance. The people of Judah were in a state of extreme distress and uncertainty.
c. 701 BC
Divine Intervention and Assyrian Retreat
The Angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp overnight, causing Sennacherib to withdraw from Jerusalem. This miraculous event was attributed solely to God's power.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians and the subsequent exile of many Judeans. This event tested the people's faith and their understanding of God's sovereignty.
This passage beautifully echoes Psalm 115:3 by highlighting God's incomparable power and wisdom in creation and governance, emphasizing that He doesn't need human counsel to act.
Daniel 4:35Here, Daniel testifies to Nebuchadnezzar's restored sanity, proclaiming that God acts 'according to his will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth.' This directly reflects the sovereignty declared in Psalm 115:3.
Ephesians 1:11This New Testament verse speaks of God working 'all things according to the counsel of his will,' a profound theological parallel to the psalmist's assertion that God does 'whatsoever he has pleased.'
Job 38:1-11In this chapter, God answers Job's lamentations not with explanation, but with a series of powerful questions about creation and natural phenomena, demonstrating His absolute authority and right to act as He pleases.
clarkePsalms 115:3: "But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased."
He hath done whatsover he hath pleased - There was too much cause for his abandoning us to our enemies; yet he still lives and rules in heaven and in earth.
poolePsalms 115:3: "But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased."
Our God; whom, notwithstanding your reproaches, we are not ashamed to own for our God. Is in the heavens; although he have no visible shape nor bodily presence with us here upon earth, as your idols have, which is a certain proof of their baseness and weakness, yet he hath a certain and a glorious place where he resideth, even the highest heavens, where he is clothed with infinite power and majesty, and from…
While it sounds like a simple statement of God's power, the phrase "he does all that he pleases" actually implies that nothing happens without God's will or permission, not just power. This means even the hardships and seeming defeats experienced by God's people are part of His sovereign plan, not a sign of His weakness.
Facing the taunts of the nations who mock their seemingly abandoned God, the psalmist begins to argue for Israel's God by first asserting His supreme authority in heaven. This declaration serves as a direct contrast to the lifeless idols of their enemies, emphasizing that their God actively rules and has sovereignly accomplished all His purposes, even allowing their current distress for reasons known only to Him.
Facing the taunts of the nations who mock their seemingly abandoned God, the psalmist begins to argue for Israel's God by first asserting His supreme authority in heaven. This declaration serves as a direct contrast to the lifeless idols of their enemies, emphasizing that their God actively rules and has sovereignly accomplished all His purposes, even allowing their current distress for reasons known only to Him.
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The organ of smell, often associated in the Old Testament with the nostrils of God, signifying His acceptance of an offering (e.g., 'a soothing aroma'). Conversely, idols have noses but lack the life-force to perceive or breathe.
yād · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the manual capacity to work, act, or manipulate. In the context of idolatry, it highlights the impotence of man-made objects that cannot exert influence or perform deeds.
reḡel · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the capacity for locomotion. It signifies the ability to travel, act with purpose, or stand firmly. Idols are portrayed as stationary and powerless, incapable of movement or progress.
c. 539 BC
Return from Exile
The Persian King Cyrus the Great allowed the Judeans to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. This marked a new era of restoration and reaffirmed God's faithfulness.
"Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; no…" — While it sounds like a simple statement of God's power, the phrase "he does all that he pleases" actually implies that nothing happens without God's will or permission, not just power. This means…
