How can Psalm 135:17 deepen our understanding of God's living nature? Setting the Scene Psalm 135 contrasts the idols of the nations with the God of Israel. Verse 17 zeros in on the lifelessness of idols: “They have ears but do not hear, nor is there breath in their mouths.” Understanding the Contrast • Ears that “do not hear” – idols cannot perceive, respond, or relate. • “No breath in their mouths” – they possess no life-principle, no spirit, no consciousness. • Implied truth: the living God is the exact opposite—He hears, speaks, and is the source of all breath (Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 42:5). Key Insights on God’s Living Nature • God is responsive. He hears prayer (Psalm 34:15) and answers (Jeremiah 33:3). • God is self-existent. “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14) underscores life in Himself—unborrowed, eternal. • God gives life. “He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25). What idols lack, God supplies. • God speaks. Unlike mute idols, “the word of the LORD endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25). • God is eternally active. “My Father is always at His work” (John 5:17), confirming perpetual, vibrant involvement with creation. Connecting the Dots in Scripture • Psalm 115:4-7 echoes Psalm 135: idols “cannot speak…cannot see…cannot hear…cannot breathe.” • Jeremiah 10:10: “But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King.” • John 1:4: “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” • Revelation 1:18: Jesus declares, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.” The resurrected Christ embodies God’s living nature in human history. Practical Takeaways for Today • Confidence in prayer: because God hears, every cry reaches living ears. • Assurance of guidance: a speaking God provides real-time direction through Scripture and Spirit. • Security in worship: unlike powerless idols, the living God actively receives praise and blesses His people. • Motivation for mission: only the God who breathes life can save; pointing others to Him is urgent and meaningful. • Daily dependence: every breath is a gift; acknowledging the Giver cultivates gratitude and humility. |
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