Journey Through The Scriptures

The exact situation behind the writing of this psalm is not known with certainty. The author’s strong statements about the total futility of idols and those who worship them may suggest a time when Israel was being confronted with idol worship, a problem the nation struggled with until the Babylonian exile. The psalmist knows that the Lord alone is the Sovereign of heaven and earth, and he longs for God’s great name to be vindicated. God deserves all of the honor and glory because there is no comparison between Him and the gods made by human hands.

Because of this, the psalmist made an impassioned plea for the people of God to hold to their trust in Him (vv. 9–11). There is no hope to be found in putting our trust in idols that cannot see, hear, or speak. But those who trust in the Lord God of Israel have the promise of His blessing – because as the true God He alone has the power to carry out His will! The psalm ends with a call for us to praise God now, while we have the opportunity.