Bible Commentary on Psalms 115:13

Psalms 115:13 states: "He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.” This verse succinctly expresses a profound theological truth regarding the nature of God's blessings towards those who revere Him.

Introduction

The Psalms, a collection of poetic and musical works, convey deep emotions and profound truths about God. Psalms 115 is a declaration of God's sovereignty and a contrast between the living God and the idols worshipped by the nations. Within this context, verse 13 highlights God's willingness to bless those who respect and worship Him.

Theological Significance

The assurance that God will bless those who fear Him touches on several theological themes:

• The Fear of the LORD: This refers not just to a feeling of terror, but a profound respect and reverence for God. Albert Barnes explains that "fear" implies an acknowledgment of God's majesty and righteousness.
• Universal Blessing: The verse emphasizes that God's blessings are available to all who revere Him, irrespective of status; "both small and great" indicates inclusivity, as noted by Adam Clarke.
• Covenantal Relationship: Matthew Henry comments on the implications of fearing God, which denotes a relationship where believers are in a covenant of love and obligation with their Creator.

Exegesis and Interpretation

Understanding Psalms 115:13 requires a careful exegesis of the surrounding texts:

• The Context of Worship: The preceding verses contrast the living God with lifeless idols, emphasizing that true worship comes from recognizing God’s sovereignty.
• Righteousness and Justice: The blessing indicated implies that blessings are associated with living righteously. Albert Barnes suggests that the character of a believer, defined by reverence and obedience, invites God's favor.

Pastoral Application

This particular verse serves as a powerful message for congregational preaching and personal devotional life:

• Encouragement for the Faithful: Pastors can use this verse to encourage believers, suggesting that God's blessings are guaranteed for those who honor Him, thereby providing hope and motivation.
• Reminder of God's Inclusivity: Emphasizes that God does not discriminate; His grace is available to all levels of society, a crucial point for promoting unity in the church.
• Call to Reverence: It serves as a reminder for believers to cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord—a critical aspect for spiritual growth.

The Role of Blessings in the Life of Believers

Understanding what is meant by "bless" is key:

• Spiritual Blessings: These encompass peace, joy, and assurance in God's presence. Both Clarke and Henry emphasize that spiritual prosperity often outweighs material considerations.
• Material Blessings: While the primary focus is spiritual, temporal blessings may also be included, for God is concerned with the whole person, as noted by Barnes.
• Consequences of Disobedience: The blessings promised assume a posture of obedience and reverence; straying from this can lead to a lack of perceived blessings.

Conclusion

Psalms 115:13 resonates with a message of hope and divine assurance for all who fear the Lord. These timeless truths from public domain commentators lead us to understand that God's commitment to bless the faithful is rooted in His nature as a loving and just God.

This verse not only underscores the importance of reverence towards God but also serves as a reminder of His grace. In a world rife with uncertainty, the faithful can find encouragement and strength in knowing that God's blessings are both a promise and a reality for those who honor Him.