Psalms 115:7
They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
Psalms 115:7
Verse 7 adds another dimension: They have hands, but they handle not; feet have they, but they walk not; neither speak they through their throat. The personification continues, pushing the reader to see that idols possess the appearance of life but lack functional vitality. They can “be” in form, but they cannot act, move, speak, or engage. In an agricultural and artisanal society, hands, feet, and throats symbolize capability and agency. By denying these capabilities to idols, the psalmist emphasizes the impossibility of deriving life or protection from lifeless things. This line also reinforces the contrast between a God who acts and a world of manufactured substitutes that pretend to be enough.
Theologically, the verse asserts God’s superiority in action. It calls believers to recognize the impotence of idols and to anchor trust in the God who speaks, moves, and acts. It also speaks to a broader biblical ethic: true life requires a responsive, active deity. Idolatry is not merely misguided belief; it’s a denial of the God who enters into history, fulfills promises, and sustains his people through time. The motif of God’s dynamic, relational presence is reinforced here, aligning with prophetic calls for repentance and fidelity.
Practically, examine areas where you rely on “static” sources—rituals, routines, or possessions that promise protection but deliver little. Replace passivity with trust in the live God: engage prayer that seeks God’s guidance, step out in faith, and pursue actions that reflect God’s justice and mercy. If you feel stuck, ask God to give you “feet” to move toward growth, reconciliation, or service, rather than staying in comfort zones. This verse encourages an active spirituality: not worshiping inert objects, but living in a way that mirrors a God who moves, acts, and leads. In relationships, refuse to let idols—like pride or control—govern decisions; instead, lean into a God who provides pathways and empowers you to walk in them.
Cross-References: Psalm 2:8; Isaiah 46:4; Hosea 11:3; 1 Corinthians 12:2; Philippians 2:13