Not to us, not to us
We Christians have much in common with post-exilic Jews, aliens in their own land, surrounded by pagans who ruled them and ridiculed their faith. This psalm calls just such believers to trust in God.
1 Not to us, YHWH
not to us
but to your name be the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.
2 Why should our pagan neighbors say
“Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in the heavens
doing whatever he wants to do.
4 Their idols are silver and gold
objects made by human hands.
5 They’ve got mouths, but don’t speak
eyes, but don’t see.
6 They’ve got ears, but don’t hear
noses, but don’t smell.
7 They’ve got hands, but don’t feel
feet, but don’t walk
throats, but don’t make a peep.
8 And their makers will end up just like them
as will all who rely on them.
9 But, you, Israel
trust in YHWH.
He’s their true help and shield.
10 Priests of Aaron
trust in YHWH.
He’s their true help and shield.
11 All who revere YHWH
trust in YHWH.
He’s their true help and shield.
12 YHWH watches over us
and blesses us.
He’ll bless the people of Israel
the family of Aaron included.
13 He’ll bless all who revere YHWH
from the least to the greatest.
14 May YHWH increase you
both you and your children.
15 You are blessed by YHWH
maker of heaven and earth.
16 The heavens belong to YHWH
but he’s gifted the earth to humankind.
17 The dead don’t praise YHWH
those consigned to the silence of the grave.
18 But us?
We will praise YHWH
both now and forever.
Praise YHWH!
After the Jews returned from exile, their pagan neighbors taunted that their immaterial YHWH was a no-show not just in the lineup of the gods, but also in the ongoing contest between the gods—that the Jews could hardly expect such a God to defend them.
So the psalmist tells God that such taunts impugn God’s glory—not Israel’s. Against their taunts, she declares that YHWH is no earthbound god and exercises absolute sovereignty over everything.* She then taunts the pagans, saying, their gods are all show—as insensate and immobile as the gleaming idols representing them. Naturally, anyone relying on impotent gods will find themselves impotent too.
The psalmist challenges all her hearers to rely on YHWH’s ability to protect and bless them. She assures them he hasn’t forgotten them and will indeed bless them, evoking God’s promises both to Abraham and to the Israelites at Sinai. She then blesses them and their children, leaving no one out. Since YHWH gave the earth to humankind in the first place, he’s lost none of his power to bless. She ends by contrasting believers with the dead, whose rejection of God has rendered them permanently unable to praise. Since the Israelites are among the living, she calls them to praise YHWH.
Prayer:
Though I don’t worship gold or silver idols, I often trust myself instead of you, Lord. Not only does that offend you: it leaves me powerless when all the while you’re longing to empower and protect me. Forgive me, and help me trust you and praise you for the glory of your name. Amen.
In your free moments today, meditate on these words:
He’ll bless all who revere YHWH
from the least to the greatest.
