TRV
Translation
King James Version
The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
Complete Jewish Bible
ADONAI has kept us in mind, and he will bless. He will bless the house of Isra'el; he will bless the house of Aharon;
Berean Standard Bible
The LORD is mindful of us; He will bless us. He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron;
American Standard Version
Jehovah hath been mindful of us; he will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.
World English Bible Messianic
The LORD remembers us. He will bless us. He will bless the house of Israel. He will bless the house of Aaron.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord hath bene mindfull of vs: he will blesse, he will blesse the house of Israel, he will blesse the house of Aaron.
Young's Literal Translation
Jehovah hath remembered us, He blesseth, He blesseth the house of Israel, He blesseth the house of Aaron,
In the KJVVerse 15,843 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 115 verses 9–18
9 ¶ O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
12 The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.
14 The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
15 Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.
16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.
In these verses,
I. We are earnestly exhorted, all of us, to repose our confidence in God, and not suffer our confidence in him to be shaken by the heathens' insulting over us upon the account of our present distresses. It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those that do trust in them, a help to furnish them with and forward them in that which is good, and a shield to fortify them against and protect them from every thing that is evil. Therefore, 1. Let Israel trust in the Lord; the body of the people, as to their public interests, and every particular Israelite, as to his own private concerns, let them leave it to God to dispose of all for them, and believe it will dispose of all for the best and will be their help and shield. 2. Let the priests, the Lord's ministers, and all the families of the house of Aaron, trust in the Lord, (Psa 115:10); they are most maligned and struck at by the enemies and therefore of them God takes particular care. They ought to be examples to others of a cheerful confidence in God, and a faithful adherence to him in the worst of times. 3. Let the proselytes, who are not of the seed of Israel, but fear the Lord, who worship him and make conscience of their duty to him, let them trust in him, for he will not fail nor forsake them, Psa 115:11. Note, Wherever there is an awful fear of God, there may be a cheerful faith in him: those that reverence his word may rely upon it.
II. We are greatly encouraged to trust in God, and good reason is given us why we should stay ourselves upon him with an entire satisfaction. Consider, 1. What we have experienced (Psa 115:12): The Lord has been mindful of us, and never unmindful, has been so constantly, has been so remarkably upon special occasions. He has been mindful of our case, our wants and burdens, mindful of our prayers to him, his promises to us, and the covenant-relation between him and us. All our comforts are derived from God's thoughts to us-ward; he has been mindful of us, though we have forgotten him. Let this engage us to trust in him, that we have found him faithful. 2. What we may expect. From what he has done for us we may infer, He will bless us; he that has been our help and our shield will be so; he that has remembered us in our low estate will not forget us; for he is still the same, his power and goodness the same, and his promise inviolable; so that we have reason to hope that he who has delivered, and does, will yet deliver. Yet this is not all: He will bless us; he has promised that he will; he has pronounced a blessing upon all his people. God's blessing us is not only speaking good to us, but doing well for us; those whom he blesses are blessed indeed. It is particularly promised that he will bless the house of Israel, that is, he will bless the commonwealth, will bless his people in their civil interests. He will bless the house of Aaron, that is, the church, the ministry, will bless his people in their religious concerns. The priests were to bless the people; it was their office (Num 6:23); but God blessed them, and so blessed their blessings. Nay (Psa 115:13), he will bless those that fear the Lord, though they be not of the house of Israel or the house of Aaron; for it was a truth, before Peter perceived it, That in every nation he that fears God is accepted or him, and blessed, Act 10:34, Act 10:35. He will bless them both small and great, both young and old. God has blessings in store for those that are good betimes and for those that are old disciples, both those that are poor in the world and those that make a figure. The greatest need his blessing, and it shall not be denied to the meanest that fear him. Both the weak in grace and the strong shall be blessed of God, the lambs and the sheep of his flock. It is promised (Psa 115:14), The Lord shall increase you. Whom God blesses he increases; that was one of the earliest and most ancient blessings, Be fruitful and multiply. God's blessing gives an increase - increase in number, building up the family - increase in wealth, adding to the estate and honour - especially an increase in spiritual blessings, with the increasings of God. He will bless you with the increase of knowledge and wisdom, of grace, holiness, and joy; those are blessed indeed whom God thus increases, who are made wiser and better, and fitter for God and heaven. It is promised that this shall be, (1.) A constant continual increase: "He shall increase you more and more; so that, as long as you live, you shall be still increasing, till you come to perfection, as the shining light," Pro 4:18. (2.) An hereditary increase: "You and your children; you in your children." It is a comfort to parents to see their children increasing in wisdom and strength. There is a blessing entailed upon the seed of those that fear God even in their infancy. For (Psa 115:15), You are blessed of the Lord, you and your children are so; all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord has blessed, Isa 59:9. Those that are the blessed of the Lord have encouragement enough to trust in the Lord, as their help and shield, for it is he that made heaven and earth; therefore his blessings are free, for he needs not any thing himself; and therefore they are rich, for he has all things at command for us if we fear him and trust in him. He that made heaven and earth can doubtless make those happy that trust in him, and will do it.
III. We are stirred up to praise God by the psalmist's example, who concludes the psalm with a resolution to persevere in his praises. 1. God is to be praised, Psa 115:16. He is greatly to be praised; for, (1.) His glory is high. See how stately his palace is, and the throne he has prepared in the heavens: The heaven, even the heavens are the Lord's; he is the rightful owner of all the treasures of light and bliss in the upper and better world, and is in the full possession of them, for he is himself infinitely bright and happy. (2.) His goodness is large, for the earth he has given to the children of men, having designed it, when he made it, for their use, to find them with meat, drink, and lodging. Not but that still he is proprietor in chief; the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; but he has let out that vineyard to these unthankful husbandmen, and from them he expects the rents and services; for, though he has given them the earth, his eye is upon them, and he will call them to render an account how they use it. Calvin complains that profane wicked people, in his days, perverted this scripture, and made a jest of it, which some in our days do, arguing, in banter, that God, having given the earth to the children of men, will no more look after it, nor after them upon it, but they may do what they will with it, and make the best of it as their portion; it is as it were thrown like a prey among them, Let him seize it that can. It is a pity that such an instance as this gives of God's bounty to man, and such a proof as arises from it of man's obligation to God, should be thus abused. From the highest heavens, it is certain, God beholds all the children of men; to them he has given the earth; but to the children of God heaven is given. 2. The dead are not capable of praising him (Psa 115:17), nor any that go into silence. The soul indeed lives in a state of separation from the body and is capable of praising God; and the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burdens of the flesh, do praise God, are still praising him; for they go up to the land of perfect light and constant business. But the dead body cannot praise God; death puts an end to our glorifying God in this world of trial and conflict, to all our services in the field; the grave is a land of darkness and silence, where there is no work or device. This they plead with God for deliverance out of the hand of their enemies, "Lord, if they prevail to cut us off, the idols will carry the day, and there will be none to praise thee, to bear thy name, and to bear a testimony against the worshippers of idols." The dead praise not the Lord, so as we do in the business and for the comforts of this life. See Psa 30:9; Psa 88:10. 3. Therefore it concerns us to praise him (Psa 115:18): "But we, we that are alive, will bless the Lord; we and those that shall come after us, will do it, from this time forth and for evermore, to the end of time; we and those we shall remove to, from this time forth and to eternity. The dead praise not the Lord, therefore we will do it the more diligently." (1.) Others are dead, and an end is thereby put to their service, and therefore we will lay out ourselves to do so much the more for God, that we may fill up the gap. Moses my servant is dead, now therefore, Joshua, arise. (2.) We ourselves must shortly go to the land of silence; but, while we do live, we will bless the Lord, will improve our time and work that work of him that sent us into the world to praise him before the night comes, and because the night comes, wherein no man can work. The Lord will bless us (Psa 115:12); he will do well for us, and therefore we will bless him, we will speak well of him. Poor returns for such receivings! Nay, we will not only do it ourselves, but will engage others to do it. Praise the Lord; praise him with us; praise him in your places, as we in ours; praise him when we are gone, that he may be praised for evermore. Hallelujah.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–18. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 115
For we do not by our deservings prevent the mercy of God; but, "The Lord has been mindful of us, and has blessed us. He has blessed the house of Israel, He has blessed the house of Aaron" [Psalm 115:12]. But in blessing both of these, "He has blessed all that fear the Lord" [Psalm 115:13]. Do you ask, who are meant by both of these? He answers, "both small and great." That is, the house of Israel with the house of Aaron, those who among that nation believed in Jesus the Saviour....For in the character of those who out of that nation believed, it is said, "Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like Gomorrha." [Romans 9:29] Seed, because when it has been scattered over the earth, it multiplied.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 115:12 serves as a profound declaration of God's unwavering and active remembrance of His people, assuring them of His continuous and comprehensive blessings. It highlights the LORD's consistent faithfulness to His covenant community, specifically mentioning the nation of Israel and its priestly lineage, underscoring His commitment to their holistic well-being, provision, and spiritual flourishing.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 115:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine assurance. The most prominent is Repetition, specifically of the phrase "he will bless." This triple repetition serves to emphasize the certainty, abundance, and comprehensive nature of God's favor. It acts as a powerful affirmation, reinforcing the promise and instilling confidence in the listeners or readers, creating a sense of absolute reliability in God's word. Closely related is Parallelism, particularly a form of synonymous or climactic parallelism. The initial general promise "he will bless [us]" is then specified and expanded upon by "he will bless the house of Israel" and "he will bless the house of Aaron." This structure moves from a general declaration to more specific, yet inclusive, categories, demonstrating the breadth of God's blessing across the entire covenant community, from the nation as a whole to its vital priestly leadership. This also functions as a form of Merism, where two distinct parts (the nation and its spiritual leaders) are mentioned to represent the whole, indicating that God's blessing extends to all aspects and members of His people, leaving no one outside the scope of His benevolent remembrance.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 115:12 is a foundational statement on God's active involvement and benevolent disposition towards His people, echoing the covenant promises made throughout the Old Testament. It affirms that God's remembrance is not passive but leads to tangible blessings, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness. This divine characteristic assures believers that their trust in the LORD is never misplaced, as He is a God who consistently acts on behalf of those who fear Him. The specific mention of "Israel" and "Aaron" highlights the comprehensive nature of God's care, extending to both the general populace and those in sacred leadership, ensuring the well-being of the entire covenant community. This theological truth serves as a powerful antidote to the temptation to rely on human strength or lifeless idols, redirecting focus to the living God who alone provides true help and blessing.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for faith in every generation. It reminds us that our God is not a distant, indifferent deity but one who actively remembers, cares for, and intervenes on behalf of His children. Just as He was intimately mindful of ancient Israel, He remains mindful of us, His spiritual Israel, the Church, today. This truth should inspire a deep sense of security and gratitude, freeing us from anxiety about our needs or future. It calls us to respond with unwavering trust and reverent fear, knowing that our God delights in blessing those who honor Him. When we face challenges, feel forgotten, or question divine providence, Psalms 115:12 serves as an anchor, drawing us back to the certainty of God's active presence and His continuous desire to pour out His comprehensive blessings upon those who belong to Him, empowering us to live lives of confident obedience and joyful expectation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean that "The LORD hath been mindful of us"?
Answer: This phrase signifies that God has actively and consistently remembered His people, not in the sense of merely recalling a fact, but of having a benevolent, attentive regard that leads to action. It speaks to His unwavering covenant faithfulness and His ongoing commitment to His promises. Throughout Israel's history, from their miraculous deliverance from Egypt (e.g., Exodus 2:24) to their sustenance in the wilderness and settlement in the land, God consistently demonstrated His active remembrance, proving Himself to be a God who keeps His word and cares for His people. This "mindfulness" is a dynamic attribute, ensuring His people are never truly forgotten or abandoned.
Why are "the house of Israel" and "the house of Aaron" specifically mentioned?
Answer: The specific mention of "the house of Israel" and "the house of Aaron" highlights the comprehensive nature of God's blessing and His care for His entire covenant community. "The house of Israel" refers to the nation as a whole, encompassing all its tribes and individuals, symbolizing God's commitment to His chosen people and their national well-being. "The house of Aaron" refers to the priestly lineage, who were set apart for sacred service, mediating between God and the people through sacrifices and instruction. By mentioning both, the psalmist emphasizes that God's blessing extends to every segment of His people, from the general populace to those in spiritual leadership, ensuring the well-being and spiritual vitality of the whole. This reflects God's holistic care for His people, both spiritually and physically, and for the institutions He established among them (e.g., Numbers 18:20).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 115:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God's mindfulness and blessing were powerfully evident in His dealings with ancient Israel and the Aaronic priesthood, these were but shadows of the ultimate blessing and remembrance embodied in the New Covenant. Jesus, as the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and our Great High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17), perfectly fulfills the roles and promises associated with both the house of Israel and the house of Aaron. Through His atoning sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension, God has been supremely "mindful of us," not merely as a nation, but as a redeemed humanity, bringing us into a new covenant relationship (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The comprehensive blessing promised in this Psalm is now poured out upon all who are "in Christ," who are considered the true "seed of Abraham" and "spiritual Israel" (Galatians 3:29; Romans 9:6-8). Through Christ, we receive every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3) and are assured of God's constant remembrance and provision, culminating in eternal life and communion with Him (John 10:28).