Question 1

What does not unto us but unto thy name give glory mean?

Accepted Answer

The words “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory” are a humble way of saying that all honor belongs to God, not to people. The writer knows that any rescue, blessing, or help they receive is not earned by their own goodness. It comes from God’s mercy and truth. So instead of asking God to make them look great, they ask Him to act in a way that shows who He is. It teaches us to pray with a lowly heart, seeking God’s honor more than our own.

Question 2

Why do the nations ask Where is now their God in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The nations ask, “Where is now their God?” when they see God’s people in trouble and think God is absent or powerless. From the outside, it can look like their God is not doing anything. This question hurts because it brings shame on God’s name as well as on His people. In answer, the worshippers say, “Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” They trust that God is still ruling, even when others mock, and that He will act in His own time.

Question 3

What is the meaning of the idols having mouths but they speak not?

Accepted Answer

The passage describes idols with mouths, eyes, ears, noses, hands, and feet, but none of these work. They cannot speak, see, hear, smell, touch, or walk. This shows how empty and foolish it is to bow down to objects made by people. They look like living things, but they are dead and powerless. The warning goes further: those who make and trust these idols become like them, dull and unresponsive to God. The picture is meant to turn people away from false gods to the living Lord.

Question 4

Who is told to trust in the Lord as help and shield here?

Accepted Answer

Three groups are called to trust in the Lord: Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the Lord. Israel means God’s people as a whole. The house of Aaron points to the priests and their families, who led in worship. “Ye that fear the Lord” widens it to everyone who truly respects and honors God, not only by birth but by heart. To each group the same promise is given: “He is their help and their shield,” the one who supports them in need and protects them from harm.

Question 5

What does the Lord hath been mindful of us he will bless us mean?

Accepted Answer

When the people say, “The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us,” they are remembering how God has already cared for them and trusting that He has not forgotten them now. To be “mindful” means God has them in His thoughts and plans. On that basis, they are sure He will go on blessing Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear Him, both small and great. This gives courage in hard times, because God’s past kindness is a promise of His continued care.

Question 6

What does the dead praise not the Lord mean in this psalm?

Accepted Answer

“The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence” is speaking about praise in the public worship of God among His gathered people. Those who have died no longer stand in the congregation to sing and speak of God’s goodness on earth. Because of that, the writer is eager to use his present life for praise: “But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.” It is a call to make good use of our days now in thankful worship.

Question 7

How does this passage contrast idols with the living God?

Accepted Answer

The passage shows idols as silver and gold, shaped by human hands, with body parts that do nothing. They cannot speak, see, hear, smell, touch, or walk. In contrast, the true God is “in the heavens” and “hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” He is the Maker of heaven and earth, not a made object. Idols are lifeless, but God remembers His people, blesses them, increases them, and gives them the earth to live in. The contrast urges readers to turn from dead objects to the living Lord.

Question 8

How can I apply the call to trust in the Lord instead of idols today?

Accepted Answer

This passage pushes us to ask what we really rely on. Idols today may not be statues, but anything we treat as our deepest hope, like money, status, or human strength. The call, “O Israel, trust thou in the Lord… Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord,” invites you to place your confidence in God as your help and shield. You can apply it by praying with humility, giving God the glory for any success, and refusing to lean on things that cannot save or truly protect you.

Question 9

What does it mean that the earth hath he given to the children of men?

Accepted Answer

When it says, “The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men,” it is showing both God’s rule and His kindness. Heaven is God’s own dwelling and domain. Yet He has given the earth to people to live in, work in, and care for. This does not mean people own it apart from God, but that He kindly shares His creation with them. It reminds readers that the powerful Creator is also the giver of their daily place and life.

Psalm 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.

To Your Name Be the Glory

To Your Name Be the Glory

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Psalm 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.

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To Your Name Be the Glory

To Your Name Be the Glory

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