Psalms 135:17 – “They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 135:17 highlights the futility of idols by pointing out that although they have ears, they cannot hear, and they have mouths but no breath. This means that idols, no matter how intricately crafted or how beautiful they may appear, are lifeless and incapable of responding. They cannot hear prayers, they cannot speak words of comfort or guidance, and they certainly cannot breathe life into anyone.
The psalmist is making it clear that idols are nothing more than objects made by human hands. In contrast, the living God of Israel hears the cries of His people and speaks to them through His Word. The verse underscores the absurdity of trusting in lifeless idols, reminding us that only God, who is alive, can truly hear, respond, and help us.
Historical Context
In ancient times, idol worship was widespread among the nations surrounding Israel. People would create statues of their gods, believing that these physical representations had divine power. The Israelites were often tempted to follow the practices of their neighbors, leading to God repeatedly warning them against idolatry. The prophets, like Isaiah and Jeremiah, also spoke out against the foolishness of worshiping lifeless idols.
Psalm 135, along with similar passages in the Psalms and the Prophets, was written to remind God’s people of the difference between the one true God and the idols worshiped by the nations. While the surrounding cultures invested their hopes and fears into objects that could neither see nor hear, the Israelites were called to trust in the living God who was actively involved in their lives.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Psalm 135:17 emphasizes the unique nature of God as the living, responsive Creator. Unlike idols, which are nothing more than lifeless objects, God is alive, actively engaging with His people. This verse challenges the belief that man-made objects or anything else we rely on besides God can truly satisfy our deepest needs.
The verse also serves as a warning against idolatry in all its forms. Today, idols may not be statues, but anything that takes the place of God in our hearts can become an idol—whether it’s money, power, relationships, or even our own achievements. This verse reminds us that putting our trust in anything other than God is ultimately futile because those things cannot truly hear our cries or meet our needs.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 135:17 uses vivid imagery to illustrate the uselessness of idols. By saying they have ears but cannot hear and mouths without breath, the psalmist personifies these lifeless objects only to expose their powerlessness. The use of these specific senses (hearing and breath) is intentional. Hearing symbolizes the ability to respond to prayers, and breath represents life itself. By stating that idols lack both, the psalmist emphasizes their utter lifelessness.
The verse fits into a section of the psalm where the psalmist contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, highlighting the superiority of God over anything humans might create. The simple, clear language drives home the point that trusting in idols is foolish because they are utterly powerless.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 115:5-7: “They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear.”
- Jeremiah 10:14-15: “Every goldsmith is shamed by his idols, for his images are a fraud; they have no breath in them.”
- Habakkuk 2:18-19: “Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies?”
- Isaiah 44:18-20: Describes the foolishness of those who worship idols made by their own hands.
- 1 Corinthians 8:4: “We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 135:17 is a reminder not to put our trust in anything other than God. While we may not worship physical idols, it’s easy to rely on modern substitutes like wealth, technology, or even our own abilities. This verse challenges us to consider whether we are putting our hope in things that cannot truly hear us or breathe life into our souls.
The verse also encourages us to place our trust in the living God, who is not only able to hear us but also actively involved in our lives. Unlike lifeless idols, God listens to our prayers, speaks through His Word, and gives life through His Spirit.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 135:17 reflects God’s love by showing that He is the opposite of lifeless idols. God’s love is not passive; it is active and personal. He hears our prayers, speaks words of comfort, and breathes new life into us through His Spirit. Unlike idols that cannot respond, God is always attentive to the needs of His people.
This verse reassures us that God is not distant or disconnected from our struggles. He is present, listening, and ready to help. His love is demonstrated in the way He engages with His creation, responding to the cries of His people and providing what we need.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of the living God who hears, speaks, and breathes life into His people. During His ministry on earth, Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, and spoke words of life and truth. Unlike the silent and lifeless idols described in this verse, Jesus was fully engaged with those who came to Him, offering healing, hope, and forgiveness.
In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This shows that Jesus not only hears us but also speaks to guide and comfort us. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus breathed new life into humanity, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some modern “idols” in your life that may be taking the place of God?
- How can you refocus your trust on God instead of relying on things that cannot truly help you?
- What are some ways you have experienced God hearing and responding to your prayers?
- How does knowing that God is alive and actively involved in your life change the way you face challenges?
- How can the example of Jesus inspire you to seek God’s voice and life-giving presence in your daily walk?
Psalm 135:17 reminds us of the futility of idols and calls us to trust in the living God. Let’s turn our hearts away from lifeless things and seek the One who truly hears, speaks, and gives life.