Psalm 115, the 3rd of the 'Hallel' songs sets forth a clear perspective for the discerning. If

Yahweh is creator/ruler of all reality from the heavens (realms beyond our tangible grasp), to earth (the domain

of human beings)... How are we to view our relationship to Him and how are we to weigh the claims of His

enemies? The psalmist’s logic is transcendental. He answers these questions from an over-arching vantage

point. As created beings, we can only exploit created resources to advance the foolishness of idolatry. Idolaters

cannot construct, conceive, or promote anything without commandeering created resources granted to us by the

steadfast love and faithfulness of the One True Sovereign. Every notion is inherently and inextricably dependent

on the faculties and provisions granted us by the Maker of heaven and earth. As such, every attempt to deny,

subvert, or supplant the Almighty inadvertently and ironically testifies to our folly and His authority. Given this

reality, Ps 115 serves to rouse the people of God from the slumbers of discouragement unto praise as the bluff of

the ungodly is called via God-breathed satire reminiscent of Is 44:9-20, where the prophet exposes the deluded

heart of the unbeliever who cannot so much as admit the absurdity of burning half a tree for fuel and

worshipping the other half. Historical contexts for the use of Ps 115 further illustrate its value in trying times. II

Kings 18b-37, for instance, records the words of Israel's enemies at the time of Hezekiah. How should God's

people confront the message of the 'Rabshakeh' of the king of Assyria? What of our day? Do we live in an era

and among a culture steeped in brash defiance against their creator? The whole scale assault on the created order

is evidence enough of idolatrous propaganda blasting through the loud speakers of our culture. Ps 115 reminds

us that the Word of God is louder still...