Who We Worship Determines Who We Are - Psalms 114-116

Psalms 115:16-18 (ESV)

The heavens are the LORD’S heavens,

but the earth he has given to the children of man.

The dead do not praise the LORD,

nor do any who go down into silence.

But we will bless the LORD

from this time forth and forevermore.

Praise the LORD!

To better understand the above closing of Psalm 115, we should read the opening of the song:

Psalms 115:1 (ESV)

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,

for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

Psalm 115 is a contrast between those who worship the living God and those who worship dead idols. 

Psalms 115:4-8 (ESV)

Their idols are silver and gold,

the work of human hands.

They have mouths, but do not speak;

eyes, but do not see.

They have ears, but do not hear;

noses, but do not smell.

They have hands, but do not feel;

feet, but do not walk;

and they do not make a sound in their throat.

Those who make them become like them;

so do all who trust in them.

The closing verses reflect what the writer is trying to say.  For those who worship the living God we exalt Him and see that He resides in the heavens.  This is why the writer states:  The heavens are the LORD’S heavens.

The writer wants us to recognize that God is not with us (He is higher) but still resides over us:  But the earth he has given to the children of man.  God gives us the earth to inhabit but to praise Him from this place.  However, those who worship dead idols, are themselves dead: The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence.  We are to recognize that what we worship reflects our own condition.  Those who worship dead idols are dead.  Those who worship a God who resides in heaven are alive.  Therefore the song concludes by saying:  But we will bless the LORD

from this time forth and forevermore.

Praise the LORD.  We who are alive by Him will bring all our praise to Him.