Psalms 115:14

The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

Psalms 115:14 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 115 is a song of praise and trust in God. It contrasts the living God with powerless idols. The psalmist declares that the Lord is the true God, actively involved in the lives of His people. This verse is a blessing pronounced upon those who fear the Lord, promising that God will increase them “more and more,” both them and their children.

Meaning

The Hebrew word translated “increase” means “to do again” or “to add.” It suggests that God’s blessing is repeated and ongoing, not a single event. The promise is stated as a certainty: “The Lord shall increase you.” This increase can be understood in several ways.

• Spiritual growth: The Lord desires His people to grow in faith, wisdom, and understanding. As they seek Him and abide in His Word, He brings about spiritual maturity.

• Material blessings: God has the power to provide for needs and even grant abundance. However, material blessings are not the primary focus of faith; they are a byproduct of a relationship with God.

• Numerical increase: The blessing extends to children, signifying generational continuity. In the Old Testament, many children were seen as a sign of God’s favor and a means to perpetuate one’s legacy.

The psalmist’s confidence in the Lord’s ability to increase stems from trust in God’s faithfulness. Throughout the psalm, the writer emphasizes that idols are lifeless, but the Lord is alive, active, and faithful to His people. The blessing is not limited to the present generation but is for those who succeed them, a seed to serve the Lord.

Biblical connections

This verse is part of a larger passage where the psalmist blesses the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the Lord, both small and great. The promise of increase for “you and your children” echoes the covenant faithfulness of God, who remembers His people and their descendants. The same Hebrew concept of God adding or increasing appears in other blessings, such as when God promised Abraham that his descendants would be numerous.

Application

When we face challenges or feel limited in resources, we can trust in the Lord’s ability to increase us. We can seek His guidance and provision, knowing that He is faithful to provide for our needs. Let us prioritize spiritual growth by investing time in prayer, reading His Word, and fellowship with other believers. The promise of increase for “you and your children” reminds us of the importance of teaching and passing on our faith. We should strive to raise children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord, equipping them to continue the legacy of faith.

Reflection

Psalm 115:14 reassures us of God’s faithfulness and His desire to increase us in various aspects of life. As we trust in Him, seek His provision, pursue spiritual growth, and pass on our faith, we can experience His blessings and witness His faithfulness in our lives and the lives of our children.