Jesus giving the Farewell discourse to his eleven remaining disciples, from the Maesta by Duccio, 1308-1311. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Psalm 115 is the third song in what is known as the “Hallel” – sometimes today called “Hallelujah Psalms.” They were sung traditionally at the end of the Passover celebration, and other feasts and occasions. It is considered likely that one or more of these were also the hymns sung by Jesus and his disciples on the night of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:29-35, Mark 14:26).

As a song of praise, it has roughly four parts. Verses 1-3 are both praise and a plea to God for his help. Verses 4-8 continue that praise as God is exalted and contrasted with the useless idols of pagans. Verses 9-13 call for God’s people to trust in the Lord as their defender. Verses 14-18 call upon God to bless His people, praising Him and professing everlasting love.

The psalmist glorifies the Lord as the Creator of all things, and who will bless the house of Israel and the house of Aaron – metaphors for all of God’s people, as well as His consecrated. Beautiful, encouraging poetry, a sample of which follows from verses 15-16:

May you be blessed by the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!
The heavens are the Lord’s heavens,
but the earth he has given to the children of man.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.

“Understanding the Cross of Christ”
is now available as an eBook by Bob’s Boy’s Publications (free in Kobo format). Details here.