What is the meaning of Psalm 135:17? They have ears Psalm 135:17 begins, “they have ears.” The psalmist first points out that idols possess the physical form of ears—carved, shaped, painted to resemble the real thing. By noting their ears, the text sets up a contrast with the living God, who both fashions ears and hears (Psalm 94:9). Just as the prophet Isaiah mocks idols that must be fashioned by human craftsmen (Isaiah 44:13–17), this verse reminds us that similarity in appearance never equals true substance. Key reminders: • Idols mimic God’s creative work but do not replicate His life-giving power (Jeremiah 10:3–4). • Their “ears” testify to the human longing for a deity who listens—yet idolatry satisfies only the eye, never the heart (Habakkuk 2:18–19). But cannot hear The verse continues, “but cannot hear.” Here lies the crushing verdict: though shaped with ears, an idol is deaf. Scripture regularly drives this point home (Psalm 115:5–6). The living God hears every cry (Exodus 2:24; 1 Peter 3:12); false gods, however, leave worshipers shouting into the void (1 Kings 18:26–29). Consider the implications: • Prayer to anything other than the LORD is wasted breath (Isaiah 45:20). • Trust placed in powerless objects leaves hearts equally powerless (Jonah 2:8). • Real comfort comes only from the God who listens attentively (Psalm 34:15). Nor is there breath in their mouths Finally, “nor is there breath in their mouths.” Breath signifies life itself (Genesis 2:7). Without breath, idols are lifeless lumps—stone, wood, metal. They cannot speak truth (Jeremiah 10:14), give counsel (Isaiah 41:28–29), or rescue anyone (Isaiah 46:7). Practical takeaways: • Any so-called god lacking breath is unworthy of awe or allegiance (Acts 14:15). • Modern idols—careers, relationships, possessions—offer no life; they cannot breathe hope into a weary soul (Matthew 6:24). • Only the LORD breathes new life into His people through His Spirit (Ezekiel 37:5–6; John 20:22). summary Psalm 135:17 exposes idols as ear-shaped but deaf, mouth-shaped but breathless. They tantalize the senses yet cannot sense; they promise but cannot perform. The verse invites us to abandon every non-living substitute and entrust ourselves to the one true God who both gives ears and hears, who both forms mouths and speaks, and who alone breathes life into all who call on Him. |
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