Psalms 115:2
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
Original Language Analysis
לָ֭מָּה
H4100
לָ֭מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הַגּוֹיִ֑ם
Wherefore should the heathen
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֑ם
Wherefore should the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
3 of 6
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
Cross References
Psalms 42:3My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?Psalms 79:10Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.Psalms 42:10As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?Exodus 32:12Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
Historical Context
Psalm 115 belongs to the Egyptian Hallel, recited at major festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles). The historical context likely reflects post-exilic struggles when the returned remnant faced opposition, economic hardship, and questions about God's promises. The rebuilt temple was modest compared to Solomon's glory, leading scoffers to mock (Haggai 2:3). Jewish communities scattered among pagan nations constantly heard this taunt. The psalm responds with theological clarity: visible circumstances don't determine theological truth.
Questions for Reflection
- When has your faith been challenged by the question 'Where is your God?' either from others or your own heart during suffering?
- How does Psalm 115's answer—God is sovereign in heaven, doing His pleasure—comfort or challenge you during trials?
- In what ways do modern secular assumptions ('If God existed, He would prevent suffering') echo the ancient pagan taunt?
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? This verse voices the taunt Israel faced during exile, military defeat, or national crisis. The Hebrew goyim (גּוֹיִם, nations/gentiles) mocked Israel's faith when circumstances suggested divine absence or impotence. The question 'Where is their God?' (ayeh na Eloheihem, אַיֵּה־נָא אֱלֹהֵיהֶם) implies that Israel's God is either non-existent, powerless, or has abandoned His people.
This taunt appears repeatedly in Scripture during Israel's lowest moments: the Babylonian exile (Psalm 79:10), national disasters (Joel 2:17), and personal suffering (Psalm 42:3, 10). The pagan assumption was that military victory proved superior deities. If Babylon conquered Judah, Marduk must be stronger than Yahweh. If Israel suffered, their God must be weak.
The psalmist's response (verses 3ff) is devastating: Our God is in heaven doing whatever He pleases, while your gods are lifeless metal and stone. The issue isn't God's absence but His sovereign purposes, which transcend human understanding. This anticipates Christ on the cross, where mockers said, 'He saved others; himself he cannot save' (Matthew 27:42)—mistaking divine purpose for divine weakness.