TRV
Translation
Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord will increase his graces towarde you, euen toward you and toward your children.
In the KJVVerse 15,845 of 31,102
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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 the great ones, of the house of Aaron, have said, "May the Lord increase you more and more, you and your children" [Psalm 115:14]. And thus it has happened. For children that have been raised even from the stones have flocked unto Abraham: [Matthew 3:9] sheep which were not of this fold, have flocked unto him, that there might be one flock, and one shepherd; the faith of all nations was added, and the number grew, not only of wise priests, but of obedient peoples; the Lord increasing not only their fathers more and more, who in Christ might show the way to the rest who should imitate them, but also their children, who should follow their fathers' pious footsteps.
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 115:14 is a profound declaration of Yahweh's active and continuous blessing upon His people and their descendants. It promises an ever-increasing, compounding favor that extends beyond the immediate generation, encompassing both quantitative growth and qualitative flourishing. This verse serves as a powerful assurance of divine faithfulness, contrasting the living God's boundless capacity to prosper with the impotence of human-made idols, thereby reinforcing the call to trust in the Lord for all provision and perpetuation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 115 is an integral part of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a collection of psalms traditionally recited during significant Jewish festivals, most notably Passover. These psalms commemorate God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and anticipate future redemption. The immediate literary flow of Psalm 115 begins with a fervent plea for God's glory to be magnified among the nations, who question, "Where is their God?" The psalmist then starkly contrasts the living, sovereign God of Israel, who "hath done whatsoever he hath pleased", with the lifeless, impotent idols of the nations, which "have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not". Following this powerful theological distinction, the psalm pivots to an exhortation for Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the Lord to "Trust in the LORD". This call to trust is immediately followed by the declaration that "The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us", setting the stage for the specific promise of increase in verse 14, which targets "you and your children" and those who "fear the LORD, both small and great".
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, and particularly within Israelite culture, blessing was often understood in tangible terms, including numerical increase (of people, livestock), fertility of the land, and prosperity. The concept of "children" or "seed" was paramount, representing not only the continuation of the family line but also the perpetuation of the covenant community and the legacy of God's promises. A large family was seen as a sign of divine favor and a source of strength and security, while barrenness was often perceived as a curse. The promise of increase in Psalms 115:14 resonates deeply with the foundational covenant promises given to Abraham, where God pledged to multiply his descendants "as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore". This cultural backdrop highlights that the "increase" promised by the Lord was not merely a spiritual concept but encompassed the holistic flourishing of the people of God in every sphere of life, ensuring their vitality and continuity across generations in a world where lineage and posterity were crucial.
Key Themes:
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. Repetition is evident in the intensified phrase "more and more," which is a direct translation of the Hebrew idiom yāsaph ‘al yāsaph (literally, "add upon add"). This Intensification emphasizes the continuous, compounding, and abundant nature of the divine blessing, assuring the recipients that God's favor is not finite but ever-expanding. The structure of the verse also functions as a Divine Declaration or Promise, beginning with "The LORD shall increase," which conveys certainty and divine authority, stemming from the sovereign character of Yahweh. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "you and your children" serves as a form of Generational Scope, highlighting the enduring and covenantal nature of God's blessing, extending beyond the immediate recipients to their descendants. This underscores the theme of legacy and the perpetuation of God's people through time.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 115:14 resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of God's character as a generous, covenant-keeping God who delights in blessing His people. This promise of "increase" is not merely about material prosperity, though it does not exclude it; rather, it encompasses a holistic flourishing that includes numerical growth of the community, spiritual vitality, fruitfulness in purpose, and the perpetuation of faith through generations. It underscores that true abundance comes from Yahweh alone, contrasting sharply with the futility of relying on lifeless idols. This divine increase is rooted in God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, especially those made to Abraham concerning his innumerable descendants, and it serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to trust in His ongoing provision and care. It reminds us that our God is a God of more than enough, whose blessings are designed to multiply and extend beyond our immediate grasp, ensuring the continuity of His people and His purposes on earth.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 115:14 offers a profound wellspring of encouragement and hope for believers today. It calls us to embrace a mindset of abundance, recognizing that our God is a God of increase, not scarcity. This promise encourages us to trust in His ongoing provision for every area of our lives – not only material needs but, more importantly, spiritual growth, the multiplication of faith within us, the expansion of God's kingdom through our efforts, and the blessing of our families. It challenges us to live with an expectation of God's active and ever-increasing favor, inspiring us to be faithful stewards of the blessings we receive, knowing that they are intended to flow through us to impact others, especially our children and future generations. This verse invites us to pray for and actively pursue spiritual and relational fruitfulness, confident that God desires to prosper us in ways that bring Him glory and advance His purposes in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "increase" in Psalms 115:14 primarily refer to material wealth?
Answer: While the ancient Near Eastern context often associated blessing with tangible prosperity, including material wealth, livestock, and abundant harvests, the "increase" in Psalms 115:14 should be understood holistically. The Hebrew word yâçaph (increase) and its intensified repetition suggest a comprehensive, compounding growth that extends beyond mere material possessions. It encompasses spiritual fruitfulness, numerical growth of the community of faith, increase in wisdom and understanding, expansion of influence for God's kingdom, and the overall flourishing of life in every dimension. The psalm's broader context, contrasting the living God with lifeless idols, emphasizes that true life and blessing come from a relationship with Yahweh, not from accumulated wealth for its own sake. Therefore, while material provision may be a component, the primary focus is on the multi-faceted and continuous blessing that God bestows upon those who trust and fear Him, ensuring their vitality and the perpetuation of their legacy, echoing the comprehensive blessings promised in Deuteronomy 28.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 115:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise of "increase" is not merely for a physical lineage but is gloriously expanded in the New Covenant to encompass the spiritual family of God, the Church, through faith in Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "seed" through whom all the families of the earth are blessed, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise of multiplication in a spiritual sense, as highlighted in Galatians 3:16. Through His death and resurrection, Christ secured for believers an "increase" of spiritual blessings "in heavenly places" – an abundance of grace, peace, and righteousness, far surpassing any earthly gain. The multiplication of the early church, as recorded in Acts, where "the number of the disciples was multiplied greatly" (Acts 6:7 and Acts 9:31), vividly demonstrates the ongoing increase of God's people through the power of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, believers are called to bear spiritual "much fruit" through abiding in Christ, signifying an increase in character, good works, and evangelistic impact, which in turn leads to the multiplication of disciples. Thus, the promise of God increasing "you and your children" is fulfilled in Christ through the spiritual increase of His body, the Church, and the generational legacy of faith passed down through the Holy Spirit from one generation of believers to the next, until the full number of the elect is gathered into His eternal kingdom, culminating in the glorious multitude that no one can number from every nation, kindred, people, and tongue, as seen in Revelation 7:9.