What does Psalm 115:18 mean?
What is the meaning of Psalm 115:18?

But it is we

The verse opens by drawing a sharp contrast: the idols of the nations are mute and lifeless (Psalm 115:4-8), but “we”—the covenant people who trust the living God—speak.

• “We” includes every believer purchased and adopted by the LORD (Psalm 115:9-11; 1 Peter 2:9).

• The phrase underlines personal responsibility; praise cannot be outsourced. Each redeemed heart must answer.

• The psalmist writes in the present tense, taking God’s promise to be our God (Exodus 19:5-6) as literally true right now.


who will bless the LORD

To “bless” God is to speak well of Him, exalting His name for who He is and what He does.

• It is not flattering God; it is declaring His worth as revealed in Scripture (Psalm 103:1-2; Psalm 34:1-3).

• The commitment is forward-looking—“will bless”—an intentional, ongoing choice (Psalm 145:1-2).

• Such praise rises from gratitude for salvation (Ephesians 1:3) and from confidence that every word of God proves true (Proverbs 30:5).


both now

Worship is not postponed until life is perfect.

• Praise begins “now,” in ordinary moments (Psalm 34:1).

• It adjusts our focus, lifting eyes from idols and anxieties to the faithful LORD (Philippians 4:4-7).

• Continual praise is offered through Christ “continually” (Hebrews 13:15), demonstrating that faith is living and active today.


and forevermore

The line stretches praise into eternity.

• God’s covenant love endures “forever” (Psalm 118:1); therefore the believer’s song answers with unending echo (Revelation 22:3-5).

• Death cannot silence the redeemed; resurrection guarantees an everlasting choir (1 Corinthians 15:52-57).

• This promise is literal: we will consciously bless God in the age to come, just as innumerable saints already do (Revelation 7:9-12).


Hallelujah!

The single word captures the heartbeat of the psalm.

• “Hallelujah” appears throughout the Psalter (Psalm 106:1; Psalm 150:6) and erupts in heaven’s worship (Revelation 19:1-6).

• It is both proclamation and invitation—praise the LORD, and join the chorus.

• The exclamation underscores joy: God’s people are not reluctant worshipers but delighted children (Psalm 16:11).


summary

Psalm 115:18 declares that God’s people personally, deliberately, and joyfully bless the LORD. Praise starts now in everyday life, continues without interruption, and will surge on into eternity. Every believer is summoned to join the hallelujah, confident that Scripture’s promises are literal, trustworthy, and enduring.

Why does Psalm 115:17 suggest the dead do not praise the LORD?
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