Psalm 115

W. van der Kamp, 1972; rev.

1. Not unto us, but only to Thy Name,
   O LORD our God, so great in power and fame,
   Ascribe and give the glory.
   Thy steadfast love and faithfulness we laud!
   Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
   And heathen men ignore Thee?
   
2. Our God in heav’n, enthroned midst cherubim,
   Will bring to pass whatever pleases Him.
   The idols of the nations,
   Though skilful works of silver and of gold,
   Are merely things that hands of men did mold
   Into abominations.
   
3. Though they have mouths, they do not shout or speak;
   Their staring eyes are lifeless, blind and bleak,
   And see no sacrifices.
   They may have ears, but they can never hear;
   Their nostrils cannot smell though men draw near
   With frankincense and spices.
   
4. Men have made gods with hands that cannot feel,
   And at dead feet do their adorers kneel.
   Though precious stones encrust them,
   Yet from their mouths a sound can never come.
   Their makers will, like them, grow deaf and dumb,
   And so will all who trust them.
   
5. O Israel, trust in your mighty LORD!
   Praise Him, your help and shield, with one accord;
   His power will protect you.
   O house of Aaron, put in God your trust;
   All you who fear Him, in the LORD find rest
   When troubles may afflict you.
   
6. The LORD will not forget us but will bless
   His people who their faith in Him confess
   With thanks for all He gave them.
   On Aaron’s house and on His Israel,
   On all who fear Him shall His blessings dwell;
   Both small and great, He saves them.
   
7. May He, the LORD, give you a rich increase,
   You and your children with His bounties please;
   May you be blessed from heaven
   By Him who heav’n’s and earth’s foundations laid.
   His are the heavens, but the earth He made
   The LORD to man has given.
   
8. The dead cannot in God the LORD rejoice;
   Those who go down to silence cannot voice
   A new song to revere Him.
   But we will bless the LORD for evermore,
   From this time forth and always Him adore.
   Praise then the LORD and fear Him.