| Geneva Study Bible The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that {l} go down into silence. (l) Though the dead set forth God's glory, yet he means here, that they praise him not in his Church and congregation. Wesley's Notes 115:17 Silence - Into the place of silence, the grave. CHAPT. CXVI. This psalm is a solemn thanksgiving to God. Wherein the psalmist professes his love to God, for delivering him out of great straits and dangers, ver. 1 -
8. Prays for his future protection, and promises to praise him, and to walk holy before him, 9 - 19. Scofield Reference Notes Margin dead See Scofield Note: "Eccl 9:10". Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 115:9-18 It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those that trust in him. Wherever there is right fear of God, there may be cheerful faith in him; those who reverence his word, may rely upon it. He is ever found faithful. The greatest need his blessing, and it shall not be denied to the meanest that fear him. God's blessing gives an increase, especially in spiritual blessings. And the Lord is to be praised: his goodness is large, for he has given the earth to the children of men for their use. The souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burdens of the flesh, are still praising him; but the dead body cannot praise God: death puts an end to our glorifying him in this world of trial and conflict. Others are dead, and an end is thereby put to their service, therefore we will seek to do the more for God. We will not only do it ourselves, but will engage others to do it; to praise him when we are gone. Lord, thou art the only object for faith and love. Help us to praise thee while living and when dying, that thy name may be the first and last upon our lips: and let the sweet savour of thy name refresh our souls for ever. | 
