The Lodestar

Idol worshippers ridiculed ancient Israelites who had no tangible objects to represent their God. God had forbidden the Israelites from making idols to worship (Exod 20:4). They also did not worship trees, rivers, mountains, and so on since they believed God created all visible and invisible in this universe. In contrast, the nations around them worshipped idols or nature.

Despite the absence of tangible objects in their worship, the Israelites' faith in God remained resolute. Psalm 115 is a robust response to those who question the authenticity of their worship.

First, the true worshippers affirm that their God does not belong to the domain of human beings and all that he created. He is above all of them: "Our God is in the heavens." Towards the end of this song of faith, the psalmist segregates heaven from earth. "The heavens are the LORD's heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man" (Psalms 115:16). Since the Lord is present everywhere, he is not limited by space. But he has heaven, far distinct from the earth, the domain of the human beings for himself. In other words, the creator God is beyond human manipulation and is over all that he has created. This argument does not suggest that God is not present on earth, but only means that he is exclusively present in the heavens. Even the world in which humans dwell is a gracious gift from God.

Having no idols to worship does not mean they have no God; it only means that God is far beyond human senses to perceive and control. Idols are made, moved around, and even replaced at the worshippers' wish.

The true worshippers also affirmed that their God is sovereign: "He does all that he pleases." He does not consult others or wait for their approval to act.

The true worshippers, in contrast, affirm the sovereignty of their God. "He does all that he pleases, "they declare. Their God does not seek approval or counsel from others before acting.

This psalm is not just a rebuttal of idol worship; it is a resounding call to trust in the almighty God, even though he is invisible.

"O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. (Psalms 115:9—11).

Trust in the unseen, almighty God who is above all and sovereign over creation. Let your faith be unwavering, for he is your help and shield, worthy of your trust and worship.

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