The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 96:5

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

For all the gods of the nations are idols; rather, vanities, or nothings. In the original there is a play upon the words—the elohim of the nations are mere elilim. Elilim is a favourite designation of the heathen gods in Isaiah.

Compare the statement of St. Paul, "We know that an idol is nothing in the world" (1 Corinthians 8:4). But the Lord made the heavens. That which is nothing can do nothing, can make nothing. How far superior is Jehovah, who "made the heavens" (comp.

Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 44:24)!

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