Is There an Allusion to Psalm 115:4–7 in Revelation 9:20?

Most likely, this refers not to Psalm 114:4–7, but to Psalm 115:4–7. It is precisely this passage that contains a distinct verbal and thematic connection with Revelation 9:20: both texts expose the worship of powerless works of human hands that cannot see, hear, or walk.

In modern Hebrew and most English numberings, Psalm 114:4–7 speaks of mountains and hills skipping before the Lord during Israel’s exodus from Egypt. It contains no list of the characteristics of idols. Instead, the description of idols having mouths, eyes, ears, and feet is found in Psalm 115:4–7. Therefore, the answer to the question is this: the direct allusion in Revelation 9:20 is specifically to Psalm 115, not to Psalm 114 in standard modern numbering.

Verbal Parallels Between the Psalm and Revelation

The Psalmist describes pagan images as the "work of human hands." They may have the likeness of a living creature, yet they remain lifeless matter: they cannot see, hear, speak, or walk.

“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk.” Ps 115:4–7

John closely echoes this reasoning. After the terrifying trumpet judgments, surviving humanity does not turn away from worshiping demons and idols of precious metals, stone, and wood. Especially telling are the three verbs: "to see," "to hear," "to walk." This is not a coincidental thematic overlap, but a deliberate use of Old Testament language.

“The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk.” Rev 9:20

Thus, Revelation 9:20 applies the prophetic indictment of Psalm 115 to the time of the end. People can construct religious systems, images, symbols, and objects of trust, but nothing created can ever take the place of the Creator.

Why Revelation Also Speaks of Demons

The Psalm emphasizes the powerlessness of the physical object itself: gold, wood, or stone is not a god. Revelation, however, unveils the spiritual dimension of idolatry. Behind an ostensibly "neutral" object or ritual, demonic deception can be at work whenever a person renders to creation the worship, obedience, and trust that belong exclusively to God.

“What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.” 1 Cor 10:19–20

The apostle Paul does not attribute independent divine power to a material idol. Nevertheless, he delivers a sober warning: a cult that draws people away from the true God is far from spiritually harmless. This is why in Revelation, idolatry is intertwined with the worship of demons.

The Contrast Between Dead Idols and the Living God

Psalm 114, while not the direct source of the allusion in Revelation 9:20, provides an essential theological contrast. In it, the sea flees, the Jordan turns back, and the mountains skip before the presence of the Lord. Nature responds to the living God, Who acts in history and saves His people.

“Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water.” Ps 114:7–8

Idols "cannot see, hear, or walk," whereas the Lord sees the suffering of His people, hears their prayers, and intervenes with mighty power. This antithesis is crucial to the message of Revelation. In the final spiritual conflict, the question is not merely whether a person holds religious convictions, but whom they worship: the Creator or the creation.

A Message for the End Time

The Adventist understanding of the three angels’ messages underscores the call to worship Him Who made heaven, earth, the sea, and the springs of water. This stands in direct opposition to worshiping the "works of human hands."

“Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Rev 14:7

An idol need not be a physical statue. Money, political influence, national pride, technology, career success, one’s own opinion, or even religious tradition can become an idol whenever it is granted higher authority than God’s Word. Ellen White repeatedly stressed that anything which diverts the heart from wholehearted devotion to Christ becomes an idol.

Conclusion and Practical Application

Revelation 9:20 features a clear allusion to Psalm 115:4–7: the phrase "the works of their hands" and the inability of idols to see, hear, or walk link these passages together intimately. Psalm 114:4–7 is not the direct source text, though its depiction of the living God—before Whom the earth trembles—harmoniously complements this contrast.

On a practical level, it is worth asking ourselves: what do I rely upon more than the Lord? To whom do my fears, my time, my resources, and my ultimate loyalty belong? Choose each day to worship the living Creator, search His Word, pray, and never allow any created thing to occupy the place that belongs to God alone.