Psalm 86:8 – Does acknowledging the existence of “other gods” conflict with the Bible’s insistence on strict monotheism?

The Scriptural Context of Psalm 86:8

Psalm 86:8 declares, “O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours.” At first glance, this verse may seem puzzling because it implies the presence of “other gods.” The wider context of Psalm 86 is a prayer of David expressing trust in the unique authority and majesty of the LORD. David implores God for help (Psalm 86:1–4), acknowledges God’s greatness (Psalm 86:8–10), and affirms God’s mercy (Psalm 86:15). By specifying that none among “the gods” compares to the LORD, the psalm underlines God’s supremacy.

Distinct Meanings of “Gods” in Scripture

1. Idols Made by Human Hands

Throughout the Old Testament, “gods” can refer to idols, false deities worshiped by surrounding nations (cf. Deuteronomy 12:2; Isaiah 44:9–20). In Psalm 115:4–7, for instance, these so-called gods are described as silver and gold, “the work of men’s hands.” These idols have “mouths, but cannot speak,” emphasizing their powerlessness. When David says that none among the gods is like the LORD, it identifies those gods as futile, man-made objects or empty religious constructs.

2. Angelic or Spiritual Beings

In other passages, “gods” may refer to spiritual beings, sometimes called “sons of God” or “heavenly hosts.” Psalm 82:1 states, “God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods.” This terminology highlights a heavenly council of angels or powerful spiritual entities in subjection to the one true God. The biblical writers can use elohim (“gods”) for such beings while never suggesting these entities rival the supremacy or uniqueness of the Creator.

3. Rulers or Judges

In some scriptural contexts, “gods” can be a poetic expression for earthly judges or human rulers, as in Exodus 22:28, “You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.” The Hebrew term elohim is occasionally used for leaders who hold legal or authoritative power under God’s guidance.

The Assertion of Strict Monotheism

1. The Shema and Other Core Statements

Scripture consistently affirms that there is only one true God, transcendent above all else. Deuteronomy 6:4 proclaims, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.” Passages such as Isaiah 45:5, “I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me,” frame the biblical insistence on monotheism. Psalm 86:8 fits within this broader harmony, echoing that the LORD’s power and nature are unmatched by any other entity.

2. The Uniqueness of the Creator

The Bible emphasizes the LORD as the all-powerful Creator (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6). A young-earth perspective, based on biblical genealogies, tightens the timeline of creation, though the core truth is that God alone brought the universe into being. Archaeological evidence from the ancient Near East shows that competing cultures worshiped numerous deities (e.g., the Canaanites worshiping Baal). These external sources help illustrate the biblical narrative: the people of Israel stood out by worshiping only Yahweh, the one Creator God, despite surrounding polytheism.

How “Other Gods” References Harmonize with Monotheism

1. Scripture’s Acknowledgment of False Worship

Acknowledging the existence of idols or the worship practices of pagan neighbors does not equate to validating those gods as real competitors. The biblical authors recognized that nations worshiped various deities. However, the consistent refrain is that these so-called gods are powerless. Deuteronomy 4:39 underscores, “The LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.” The question is not whether other gods truly exist but whether they have any power or essence as deities. Scripture’s answer is a firm “no.”

2. The Polemic Against Pagan Idolatry

Old Testament narratives frequently highlight God’s judgments on pagan nations and their idols (e.g., Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:20–40). King David’s proclamation that no other gods can rival the LORD functions as a devotional statement and a theological polemic, reminding Israel to cling to their covenant God. Such polemics found in the Bible show how serious the scriptural writers were in defending true monotheism against widespread polytheism.

3. The Revelation of God’s Exclusive Nature

From Genesis to Revelation, the main emphasis is on the absolute lordship of Yahweh, culminating in the revelation of Jesus Christ, who is identified as God the Son (John 1:1–3; Titus 2:13). Scripture never compromises on this fundamental truth. Thus, mentioning other gods (whether idols, spiritual beings, or figurative constructions) only underscores the incomparable character of the one true God who alone is deserving of worship.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

1. Ugaritic and Canaanite Texts

Writings discovered at Ugarit (modern-day Ras Shamra) illustrate the pantheon of deities in the ancient Near East, including Baal, Asherah, and others. Israel’s faith in the LORD as the only God stands in stark contrast. This data underlines the significance of biblical references to “other gods”: they were idols or spiritual beings revered by neighboring cultures yet systematically refuted by Israel’s Scriptures.

2. Dead Sea Scrolls

Among the Dead Sea Scrolls, portions of the Psalms and other biblical writings affirm the same theology presented in modern Bibles: the unchallenged supremacy of God. These ancient manuscripts reveal no evidence that the Israelites considered their God merely one among many; instead, they preserve the same monotheistic outlook found in today’s text of Psalm 86 and beyond.

Consistency with God’s Identity

1. No Rival to God’s Essence

Despite recognizing that people worship multiple gods, the biblical authors insist there is only one true God. These references do not amount to conceding the existence of rival divine beings equal to the Creator. Rather, they reinforce that even if humanity or spiritual forces claim deity status, there is no legitimate parallel to the LORD’s nature and power.

2. Christ as the Full Revelation of God

The message of Scripture, culminating in the New Testament, shows God’s purpose in sending Christ. As John 1:14 states, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” This revelation does not contradict earlier claims of monotheism; it clarifies that the eternal God is triune: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Subordinate spiritual entities never hold the same divine essence.

Conclusion

Psalm 86:8 does not challenge strict monotheism. Instead, it proclaims the preeminence of the LORD over “gods” that either represent idols, spiritual beings, or poetic references to human rulers. From the earliest chapters of Genesis to the final pages of Revelation, the Bible upholds the exclusive worship of the one sovereign Creator.

Acknowledging that cultures—ancient and modern—venerate various deities or other spiritual powers only magnifies the uniqueness of the God of Scripture. As Psalm 96:5 declares, “For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.” This biblical assertion remains consistent: there is one true God, and no other “god” stands on equal footing.

Thus, referring to “other gods” in Psalm 86:8 emphasizes the absolute supremacy of Yahweh and reinforces, rather than undermines, the Bible’s unwavering insistence on monotheistic faith.