Psalms 135:15

KJV

¶ The idols of the heathen [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

The idols {H6091} of the heathen {H1471} are silver {H3701} and gold {H2091}, the work {H4639} of men's {H120} hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The idols of the nations are mere silver and gold, made by human hands.

Berean Standard Bible

The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.

American Standard Version

The idols of the nations are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 135:15 delivers a profound theological indictment against idolatry, sharply contrasting the lifeless, man-made deities of the gentile nations with the living, sovereign God of Israel. This verse powerfully exposes the inherent futility and impotence of idols, revealing them as mere material objects—silver and gold—fashioned by human hands, possessing no breath, power, or capacity to act. It serves as a foundational call for believers to commit to an exclusive and authentic worship of the one true Creator, setting Him apart from all human inventions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 135 is a majestic hymn of praise, likely composed for liturgical use in temple worship, that masterfully weaves together themes and phrases from earlier biblical texts, particularly [Psalms 115](/psalms/115 "Psalm 115 - The Futility of Idols and the Trustworthiness of God") and [Jeremiah 10](/jeremiah/10 "Jeremiah 10 - The True God vs. Idols"). The psalm opens with an emphatic call to praise Yahweh (verses 1-3), then transitions to celebrate His glorious attributes: His election of Israel (verse 4), His incomparable greatness and sovereignty over all creation (verses 5-7), and His mighty historical acts of deliverance, including the Exodus plagues and the conquest of Canaan (verses 8-12). Verses 15-18, where our focal verse resides, form a distinct and crucial polemic section. This segment directly echoes and expands upon the vivid contrast between the living God and inert idols found in [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols"), serving to magnify the Lord's unparalleled power and unique nature by highlighting the utter impotence and absurdity of rival deities. The immediate literary context thus frames verse 15 as a climactic statement reinforcing God's singular worthiness of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a vibrant tapestry of polytheistic cultures, where the worship of numerous gods was central to daily life. These deities were commonly represented by physical idols, meticulously crafted from precious metals, wood, or stone, believed to either embody or house the divine presence. Worship of these idols involved elaborate rituals, sacrifices, and supplications, often with the expectation of tangible benefits like fertility, victory in battle, or prosperity. Israel, situated amidst these practices, faced constant temptation to adopt the idolatrous customs of their neighbors, a struggle vividly documented throughout the Old Testament, from the infamous golden calf incident in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf") to the fervent prophetic condemnations of idol worship by figures like Isaiah and Jeremiah (e.g., [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry") and [Jeremiah 10:1-16](/jeremiah/10-1-16 "Jeremiah 10:1-16 - The True God vs. Idols")). Psalms 135:15 directly addresses this pervasive cultural reality, functioning as a theological declaration of Israel's distinctiveness and the unique, uncreated nature of their God, who transcends any physical image or human limitation.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Psalms 135, powerfully reinforced by verse 15, is the **incomparability and absolute sovereignty of Yahweh**. The psalm celebrates God's supreme power over creation, history, and all nations, starkly contrasting it with the utter impotence of human-made gods. This leads directly to the central theme of **the futility of idolatry**, which is explicitly articulated in verses 15-18. Idols are depicted as lifeless, deaf, blind, and mute—a stark foil to the living God who hears, sees, and acts decisively in the world. The verse also implicitly highlights **the call to true worship**, urging Israel to place their exclusive trust and allegiance solely in the God who chose them, performs wonders, and is truly present, rather than in perishable objects crafted by human hands. This polemic against idolatry is a recurring motif throughout the prophetic and wisdom literature, emphasizing the covenantal faithfulness required of Israel to worship only the Lord, as commanded in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **idols (Hebrew, _ʻâtsâb'_):** From the root `ʻâtsâb` (H6087), meaning "to grieve" or "to fashion," this term (H6091) refers to an (idolatrous) image. It conveys the idea of something shaped or formed by human effort, inherently emphasizing its manufactured origin. The underlying root also carries a connotation of sorrow, pain, or futility, perhaps alluding to the grief or ultimate disappointment associated with their worship. The term powerfully highlights the contrast between the uncreated, living God and the created, inert object of worship.
* **work (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** This word (H4639) denotes an "action," "transaction," or, as in this context, a "product" or "thing made." Its use here specifically refers to something "wrought" or "manufactured." By employing this term, the psalmist underscores that idols are not divine beings but rather the direct result of human labor, skill, and creative output. This emphasizes their non-divine, material nature and their complete dependence on human agency for their existence, stripping away any pretense of inherent divinity.
* **hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** A primitive word (H3027) referring to the "hand," often used metaphorically to denote power, means, direction, or agency. Here, the phrase "men's hands" explicitly identifies the origin of the idols, directly attributing their creation to human effort and limited human power. This declaration powerfully strips away any illusion of divinity from the idols, revealing them as mere extensions of human craftsmanship and finite capability, rather than manifestations of divine, uncreated power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The idols of the heathen":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject of the psalmist's indictment: the false gods worshipped by the non-Israelite nations. The term "idols" (Hebrew: _'atsabim'_) inherently carries a derogatory connotation, implying worthlessness or something that causes pain, while "heathen" (Hebrew: _goyim_) refers to the gentile nations distinct from Israel. This establishes a clear dichotomy between the objects of pagan worship and the true, living God of Israel, setting the stage for the polemic that follows.
* **"[are] silver and gold":** This phrase describes the material composition of these idols. By specifying "silver and gold," the psalmist highlights their inherent value as precious metals and the significant human effort and resources invested in their creation. Yet, simultaneously, this description exposes their fundamental limitation: they are mere inert matter, not living entities. Their value is purely material and economic, not spiritual or divine, underscoring their inability to act, hear, see, or respond, despite their costly fabrication.
* **"the work of men's hands.":** This concluding clause delivers the ultimate and most devastating indictment. It definitively states the origin of these so-called gods: they are products of human craftsmanship. This declaration strips away any illusion of divinity, revealing them as manufactured objects, entirely dependent on human agency for their very existence. This stands in stark contrast to the true God, who is the uncreated Creator of all things, emphasizing the profound theological chasm between the living, self-existent God and the lifeless, human-made creations of humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 135:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking clarity and force. **Antithesis** is the foundational device, creating a sharp and intentional contrast between the living, active, and sovereign God of Israel (implied from the broader psalm's preceding verses) and the lifeless, passive, and impotent idols of the heathen. The verse utilizes **metonymy** by referring to "silver and gold" to represent the idols themselves, highlighting their material composition and inherent lack of spiritual essence or divine power. The phrase "the work of men's hands" functions as a powerful **synecdoche**, where "hands" represent the entirety of human effort, skill, and limited power, emphasizing that these objects are entirely human-made and thus utterly devoid of divine origin or inherent power. This direct attribution of creation to human hands serves as a potent **polemic** against idolatry, systematically dismantling any claim of divinity for these objects by exposing their mundane and dependent origins.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 135:15 serves as a foundational theological statement on the absolute distinction between the nature of God and the nature of idols, asserting the absolute uniqueness and sovereignty of Yahweh. It underscores the profound biblical truth that God is uncreated, transcendent, self-existent, and living, while idols are created, immanent (within human reach and control), and lifeless. This distinction is crucial for understanding the covenantal call to exclusive worship and the dangers of spiritual syncretism, which constantly threatened ancient Israel. The verse's forceful polemic against idols highlights that true worship must be directed toward the One who acts decisively in history, creates and sustains all things, and truly hears and responds, not towards mute, inert objects that are utterly dependent on human fabrication for their form and even their existence. The theological message is clear: ultimate trust, allegiance, and worship belong only to the God who is, not to what humans make or imagine.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4-8 "The Impotence of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 10:3-5](/jeremiah/10-3-5 "The Vanity of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the explicit worship of physical idols of silver and gold may seem distant to many in contemporary society, the core principle of Psalms 135:15 remains profoundly relevant and challenging. Modern idolatry often takes more subtle, yet equally destructive, forms. Anything that displaces God from His rightful place of ultimate allegiance, trust, and devotion in our lives becomes an idol. This can manifest as an excessive pursuit of wealth, status, career success, personal comfort, or even the elevation of human wisdom, political ideologies, self-image, or technological advancements above divine truth. The verse challenges us to critically examine what we truly rely on, what consumes our thoughts and energies, and what we believe holds the power to secure our future or provide ultimate satisfaction. It calls us to recognize the inherent emptiness and ultimate inability of anything "the work of men's hands"—whether literal or metaphorical—to deliver true life, lasting peace, or eternal salvation. Our application, therefore, is a continuous call to repent from any form of idolatry, to re-center our lives on the living God, and to cultivate a worship that is exclusive, heartfelt, and rooted in His incomparable power, faithfulness, and self-sufficiency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be placing my ultimate trust or devotion in "the work of men's hands" rather than in the living God?**
* **How does recognizing the futility and powerlessness of idols deepen my appreciation for God's unique power, sovereignty, and incomparable nature?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship, allegiance, and daily life are solely directed towards the true Creator, rather than competing affections?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "silver and gold" in describing idols?**

Answer: The mention of "silver and gold" in Psalms 135:15 is highly significant because it highlights the material value and immense human effort invested in creating these idols, yet simultaneously underscores their spiritual worthlessness and inherent limitation. While these precious metals signify wealth, craftsmanship, and perceived grandeur, the verse emphasizes that they are still just inert matter. The psalmist's point is that despite their costly composition, these objects remain "the work of men's hands," devoid of life, power, or divine essence. This contrasts sharply with the God of Israel, who is not made of any material, whose value is infinite and inherent, and whose glory cannot be contained or represented by human craft, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 40:18-20](/isaiah/40-18-20 "Isaiah 40:18-20 - God's Incomparability").

**How does this verse relate to the broader biblical condemnation of idolatry?**

Answer: Psalms 135:15 is a concise and powerful expression of a pervasive biblical theme: the condemnation of idolatry. From the foundational commands of the Decalogue ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")) to the fervent denunciations in the prophetic books ([Jeremiah 10:1-16](/jeremiah/10-1-16 "Jeremiah 10:1-16 - The True God vs. Idols") and [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idol-Making")), the Bible consistently denounces the worship of anything other than the one true God. This verse contributes uniquely by emphasizing the *origin* of idols (human hands) and their *composition* (mere materials), thereby exposing their fundamental impotence and the profound folly of worshipping them. It serves as a stark reminder that only the uncreated Creator, not the created thing, is worthy of worship and ultimate trust.

**Does this verse have relevance for Christians today, given that physical idol worship is less common?**

Answer: Absolutely. While overt worship of physical statues may be less common in many modern societies, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant and active. Idolatry, at its heart, is placing ultimate trust, devotion, or allegiance in anything or anyone other than God. For Christians today, "idols of the heathen" can manifest as materialism, self-worship, the relentless pursuit of power or fame, an overreliance on technology or human ingenuity, or even the elevation of political ideologies, human wisdom, or personal comfort above divine truth. Psalms 135:15 serves as a timeless warning against anything that competes with God for the supreme place in our hearts and lives, urging us to examine what we truly depend on and where our ultimate hope and security lie, echoing the New Testament call to flee from idolatry in [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 135:15, with its stark contrast between lifeless idols and the living God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's relentless polemic against idols, which are "the work of men's hands" and utterly powerless, underscores the inherent inability of humanity to create a god worthy of worship or capable of salvation. In striking contrast, Jesus Christ is not a created being but the uncreated, eternal Son of God, the very [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"), through whom [all things were created, in heaven and on earth](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator of All"). He is the embodiment of the living God whom the psalmist extols, demonstrating divine power over creation, sickness, sin, and death. Unlike the mute and powerless idols, Christ speaks with ultimate authority, performs miracles that testify to His divine nature, and ultimately offers [eternal life to all who believe in Him](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life"). His perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and victorious resurrection definitively prove His unique power and ability to save humanity from sin and death—something no idol, no matter how precious its material, could ever achieve. Therefore, the Old Testament's call to turn from idols to the living God culminates in the New Testament's invitation to turn from all false gods and trust exclusively in Jesus Christ, the [one Mediator between God and mankind](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - Christ, the One Mediator"), who alone is truly worthy of all worship, allegiance, and devotion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 115:4

Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

Psalms 115:8

They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

Acts 17:29

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

Isaiah 44:9

¶ They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.

Isaiah 44:20

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?

Jeremiah 10:3

For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Jeremiah 10:11

Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, [even] they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.