What does Psalm 115:1 mean?
What is the meaning of Psalm 115:1?

Not to us, O LORD

– The psalmist immediately puts every spotlight on the LORD, disowning any credit.

Psalm 29:1-2 reminds, “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name”.

Isaiah 42:8 shows God’s jealousy for His own glory.

1 Corinthians 1:29-31 insists that “no one may boast before Him.”

Together these passages anchor the reflex of humble worship: credit never rests on the believer’s abilities, heritage, or righteousness.


not to us

– The repetition drives the point home: zero room for self-exaltation.

John 3:30: “He must increase; I must decrease.”

2 Corinthians 4:7 describes “treasure in jars of clay,” so the power is clearly God’s.

Proverbs 3:5 presses us to lean not on our own understanding.

The double phrase is a heart check, exposing hidden pride before it surfaces.


but to Your name be the glory

– All honor funnels to God’s revealed character—His “name.”

Psalm 96:8 urges, “Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name.”

Revelation 4:11 shows heaven itself giving glory because He is Creator.

1 Peter 4:11 tells every servant to function “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

Glory is the natural response when we see who God is and what He has done.


because of Your loving devotion

– The motive for giving God glory flows from His loyal, covenant love.

Exodus 34:6 unveils Him as “abounding in loving devotion.”

Psalm 136 repeats, “For His loving devotion endures forever.”

1 John 4:9-10 points to the cross as the supreme display of that love.

Knowing this steadfast love fuels gratitude and worship beyond duty.


because of Your faithfulness

– God’s trustworthiness secures every promise, guaranteeing that His love never fails.

Deuteronomy 7:9 declares Him “the faithful God, keeping His covenant.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 celebrates, “Great is Your faithfulness.”

Hebrews 10:23 urges believers to hold fast “for He who promised is faithful.”

Faithfulness and loving devotion together reveal why His name deserves exclusive glory—He never changes, never fails, never breaks His word.


summary

Psalm 115:1 redirects all acclaim from human hands to God alone. Repeated self-denial (“Not to us… not to us”) clears the stage, while the two reasons given (“because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness”) remind us that His unchanging love and reliability are the bedrock of our hope. The verse invites every believer to live and speak so that God’s name, not ours, shines brightest.

How does Psalm 114:8 relate to the Israelites' journey in Exodus?
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