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Day 251

Psalm 115:2 "Why should the Gentiles say, 'So where is their God?"

Day 251 – Psalm 115

“Why should the Gentiles say, ‘So where is their God?” Psalm 115:2

UNDER ATTACK

Ancient Israel faced many enemies. They had to be on their guard at all times, and on all fronts. Not only did they face military hostility, they also had to contend with religious animosity. The follow text helps us understand why the psalmist seemed to have been polemical in his writing.

“Why should the Gentiles say,
‘So where is their God?’
But our God is in heaven;
He does whatever He pleases.
Their idols are silver and gold,
The work of men’s hands.
They have mouths, but they do not speak;
Eyes they have, but they do not see;
They have ears, but they do not hear;
Noses they have, but they do not smell;
They have hands, but they do not handle;
Feet they have, but they do not walk;
Nor do they mutter through their throat.
Those who make them are like them;
So is everyone who trusts in them.”
Psalm 115:2-8

1. The criticism of the Gentiles

a) They were cynical of the God of Israel.
b) He was an invisible God.
c) They took pride in their idols which they could see!

2. The defence of the psalmist

a) Their faith was in a God who dwells in heaven.
b) The idol-makers and idol worshippers must re-consider their taunts against Israel.
c) Israel could say that their idols had all the features (eyes, nose, hands, feet etc).
d) But none of these features were functional! How then were these gods better?