Psalms 115:6-7
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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The verse highlights a profound irony: idols have senses, yet they are utterly incapable of using them. This isn't just about inanimate objects; it's a sharp jab at the very nature of idolatry, showing that those who worship such things become spiritually deaf and numb, mirroring the lifelessness of their gods.
The psalm begins with a powerful plea for God's glory, not Israel's own, amidst taunts from their enemies. The psalmist then contrasts the living, sovereign God in heaven with the lifeless, man-made idols of the nations. This leads into a vivid, almost sarcastic description of these idols, highlighting their physical features that are utterly devoid of function, emphasizing their impotence and the futility of trusting in them.
Imagine shouting into a void, pouring out your heart to someone who can't respond. That's the reality of idolatry.
In Psalms 115, the psalmist paints a stark picture of idols. These statues, crafted from precious metals, are given the appearance of sensory organs – ears, noses, eyes. Yet, they are utterly lifeless.
Made, Not Living
We tend to become like the things we focus on and adore. What happens when our object of worship is deaf and dumb?
There's a profound, often tragic, principle at play: worshippers tend to become like their gods. When people bow down to idols that are deaf, blind, and unable to act, they themselves become spiritually deaf, blind, and powerless.
Assimilated to the Image
This is why trusting in idols is so dangerous – it leads to a spiritual devolution, where the worshipper mirrors the impotence of their false deity.
Understand the original words
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
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
This psalm's vivid contrast between the living God and lifeless idols likely resonated deeply with the post-exilic community, who had witnessed the devastating consequences of idolatry and were rebuilding their worship in a land surrounded by pagan practices.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
Following the decree of Cyrus the Great, a portion of the Jewish exiles began their return to Jerusalem, facing a devastated land and significant opposition. This period was marked by rebuilding efforts and a renewed emphasis on their unique identity and worship.
c. 538-515 BC
Rebuilding the Temple
The construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem was a central focus for the returning exiles, symbolizing their restored covenant relationship with God and serving as a beacon against surrounding pagan influences.
c. 515 BC— this verse
Dedication of the Second Temple
The completion and dedication of the Second Temple marked a significant milestone, solidifying Jewish religious life and identity in post-exilic Judah. This event would have been a context for psalms of praise and affirmation.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Commission to Jerusalem
Ezra, a scribe and priest, was commissioned by the Persian king to lead another group of exiles back to Jerusalem, with a specific charge to re-establish the Law and religious order. This further reinforced the importance of pure worship.
This passage provides a vivid, sarcastic description of idol-making, mirroring the contempt shown in Psalms 115 for inanimate objects worshipped as gods.
Jeremiah 10:1-16Jeremiah echoes the Psalmist's theme, contrasting the true God, the Creator of all, with lifeless idols made by human hands that cannot speak, hear, or move.
1 Corinthians 12:1-2Paul uses a similar metaphor, contrasting the spiritual vitality and discernment given by the true God with the deaf and dumb nature of pagan idols, urging believers not to be led astray by them.
Romans 1:21-23This passage explains the spiritual blindness that can occur when people exchange the truth of God for a lie, becoming like the worthless idols they worship.
henryPsalms 115:1-8: "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake."
115:1-8 Let no opinion of our own merits have any place in our prayers or in our praises. All the good we do, is done by the power of his grace; and all the good we have, is the gift of his mere mercy, and he must have all the praise. Are we in pursuit of any mercy, and wrestling with God for it, we must take encouragement in prayer from God only. Lord, do so for us; not th…
expositorsPsalms 115:1-18: "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake."
Psalm 115:1-18 ISRAEL is in straits from heathen enemies, and cries to Jehovah to vindicate His own Name by delivering it. Strengthened by faith, which has been stung into action by taunts aimed at both the nation and its Protector, the psalmist triumphantly contrasts Jehovah in the heavens, moving all things according to His will, with idols which had the semblance of pow…
The verse highlights a profound irony: idols have senses, yet they are utterly incapable of using them. This isn't just about inanimate objects; it's a sharp jab at the very nature of idolatry, showing that those who worship such things become spiritually deaf and numb, mirroring the lifelessness of their gods.
The psalm begins with a powerful plea for God's glory, not Israel's own, amidst taunts from their enemies. The psalmist then contrasts the living, sovereign God in heaven with the lifeless, man-made idols of the nations. This leads into a vivid, almost sarcastic description of these idols, highlighting their physical features that are utterly devoid of function, emphasizing their impotence and the futility of trusting in them.
The psalm begins with a powerful plea for God's glory, not Israel's own, amidst taunts from their enemies. The psalmist then contrasts the living, sovereign God in heaven with the lifeless, man-made idols of the nations. This leads into a vivid, almost sarcastic description of these idols, highlighting their physical features that are utterly devoid of function, emphasizing their impotence and the futility of trusting in them.
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In contrast to silent idols, our God is intimately aware and responsive to His people.
Psalms 115 stands in sharp contrast to the depiction of lifeless idols. While the gods of the nations are mute and deaf, the God of Israel is actively engaged and fully capable of hearing.
The God Who Listens
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. 445 BC
Nehemiah's Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah led the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, a critical defensive and symbolic act that strengthened the community against external threats and reinforced their commitment to God's chosen city.
"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." — The verse highlights a profound irony: idols have senses, yet they are utterly incapable of using them. This isn't just about inanimate objects; it's a sharp jab at the very nature of idolatry, showi…
