John Calvin Commentary Psalms 115:17

"The dead praise not Jehovah, Neither any that go down into silence;" — Psalms 115:17 (ASV)

O God! the dead shall not praise thee. In these words, the prophet goes on to implore God to show Himself favorable toward His Church, even if the only object to be gained were preventing humanity from being utterly cut off, and preserving a people not only to enjoy His kindness but also to call upon and praise His name.

After celebrating God’s special favor toward the Israelites, and the beneficence He displayed toward humanity in general, he appeals to the mercy of God for the pardoning of the sins of His people. And he proceeds on this basis: that although the pagan nations revel in the abundance of God’s bounty, yet the descendants of Abraham alone are set apart to celebrate His praises.

“Lord, if You should allow us to perish, what would be the result, but that Your name would become extinct, and would be entombed with us?” From his seeming to deprive the dead of all awareness, a question arises: Do souls still survive after they have departed from their bodily prison?

It is certain that they are then more vigorous and active, and, therefore, it must inevitably follow that God is also praised by the dead. Moreover, in appointing humanity their dwelling place on earth, He so disconnects them from God that He leaves them a life such as they enjoy in common with animals.

For the earth was not given exclusively to humans, but also to oxen, swine, dogs, lions, and bears, and furthermore, to every sort of reptile and insect. For there is not a fly, nor a creeping thing, however lowly, that the earth does not supply with a dwelling place.

The solution to the first question is easy. Humans were so situated on the earth that they might, as it were, with one voice celebrate the praises of God. And it was to this harmony that the prophet referred in this passage, as Scripture also does in many other passages.

I shall not die, but live, and declare the words of the Lord, (Psalms 118:17).

The good king Hezekiah also said, The living, the living, he shall praise thee, (Isaiah 38:19).

Jonah, too, when cast out of the belly of the fish, said, I will offer sacrifices, and I will pay my vows unto the Lord, (Jonah 2:10).

In short, the prophet very justly excludes the dead from taking any part in the celebration of God’s praises; for among them there is no communion and fellowship qualifying them for mutually proclaiming His praises: the proclaiming of His glory on the earth being the very purpose of our existence.

The reply to the second inquiry is this: The prophet says that the earth was given to humanity, that they might engage in God’s service until they are put in possession of everlasting happiness. Indeed, it is true that the abundance of the earth also belongs to animals; but the Holy Spirit declares that all things were created principally for the use of humans, so that they might thereby recognize God as their Father.

In conclusion, the prophet concludes that the whole course of nature would be subverted unless God saved His Church. The creation of the world would serve no good purpose if there were no people to call upon God. Therefore, he infers that there will always be some left alive on the earth.

And he not only promises that the Church will be preserved, but also calls upon all who are thus preserved to offer a tribute of gratitude to their Deliverer; and, moreover, he undertakes in their name to proclaim the praises of God. He does not speak merely of the people who belong to one age, but of the whole body of the Church, which God upholds from one generation to another, so that He may never leave Himself without some to testify and declare His justice, goodness, and mercy.