Psalms 135:18 – “Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 135:18 serves as a stark warning: those who make idols and those who trust in them will become just like these lifeless objects. This means that idol worshipers, by placing their trust in things that cannot speak, hear, or move, ultimately lose their spiritual sensitivity. The verse highlights a profound truth — what we worship shapes who we become. If we put our trust in things that are powerless and dead, we will eventually become spiritually blind, deaf, and unresponsive.
The psalmist is teaching us that when people devote themselves to anything other than the living God, they become spiritually lifeless, just like the idols they worship. Idols may look impressive on the outside, but they are nothing more than dead objects made by human hands. In the same way, those who place their hope in idols lose the ability to truly live in the spiritual sense.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, the nations surrounding Israel were deeply involved in idol worship. These cultures believed that by creating statues and images of their gods, they could control spiritual forces or gain favor. The Israelites were often tempted to follow these practices, which is why God repeatedly warned them against idolatry.
Throughout Israel’s history, God’s prophets rebuked the people for turning away from Him to worship idols. The consequences of this disobedience were not just political or social but spiritual — the people became hardened in their hearts, unable to hear God’s voice or see His works. The psalmist here is reminding the Israelites of the spiritual danger of idolatry.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Psalm 135:18 emphasizes that the objects of our worship have a profound impact on us. The verse reveals that turning away from the true God to worship idols leads to spiritual deadness. This is because idols, though they may have eyes, ears, and mouths, are lifeless. By devoting themselves to these lifeless objects, people begin to lose their own spiritual vitality.
This verse challenges us to consider the nature of true worship. God, who is living and active, wants a relationship with His people that leads to life, growth, and transformation. In contrast, worshiping anything other than God leads to spiritual stagnation and emptiness.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 135:18 uses a simple but powerful comparison to make its point. By stating that those who make idols and trust in them will become like them, the verse highlights the irony of idolatry. The idols are lifeless, and so too will be the people who devote themselves to them.
The use of parallelism in this verse strengthens the message, emphasizing that both the makers of idols and those who trust in them will suffer the same fate. This literary structure drives home the point that idolatry is not just a harmless tradition but a practice with serious consequences for one’s soul.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 115:8: “Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”
- Jeremiah 10:14-15: “Every goldsmith is shamed by his idols… they have no breath in them. They are worthless, the objects of mockery.”
- Isaiah 44:18: “They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand.”
- Romans 1:21-23: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him… they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being.”
- Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 135:18 is a reminder to examine where we place our trust. In modern times, idols may not be physical statues, but anything that takes the place of God in our lives can become an idol — whether it’s money, success, popularity, or even technology. When we devote ourselves to these things, they can slowly shape us, making us spiritually numb and distracted from what truly matters.
This verse encourages believers to turn their hearts fully toward God, who is alive and able to transform us into people who reflect His love, mercy, and truth. By putting our trust in God instead of lifeless substitutes, we grow in spiritual vitality and purpose.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 135:18 reflects God’s desire for us to experience a full, abundant life. God’s warnings against idols are not meant to limit us but to protect us from things that ultimately lead to spiritual deadness. God, in His love, wants us to be spiritually alive, aware, and responsive to His voice.
God’s love is evident in His call for us to worship Him alone. By doing so, we are transformed into His image, reflecting His goodness and living lives that are full of meaning and purpose. Unlike idols that drain life, God’s presence fills us with life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ came to set us free from the bondage of idols and anything that keeps us from a relationship with God. Through His teachings and miracles, Jesus revealed the emptiness of false religions and the futility of placing trust in anything other than God. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection broke the power of idols and gave us access to a relationship with the living God. By following Jesus, we are set free from the things that would make us spiritually blind and deaf, allowing us to truly live as God intended.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some modern “idols” that people place their trust in today?
- Are there things in your own life that you may be relying on more than God?
- How does this verse challenge you to refocus your heart and mind on God?
- In what ways have you seen God bring life and transformation in your own spiritual journey?
- How can Jesus’ example help you break free from anything that distracts you from a closer relationship with God?
Psalm 135:18 is a powerful reminder that only God can give life and fulfill our deepest longings. Let’s choose to place our trust in Him, knowing that He alone can truly transform us and fill us with spiritual life.