Psalm 86:10
For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God.
For You are great
This phrase acknowledges the greatness of God, a central theme throughout the Bible. The greatness of God is often associated with His power, majesty, and sovereignty over all creation. In the context of the Psalms, this greatness is a source of comfort and assurance for the believer. The greatness of God is also highlighted in passages like Isaiah 40:28, which speaks of God's everlasting nature and unsearchable understanding. The acknowledgment of God's greatness is a call to worship and reverence, recognizing His supreme authority and unmatched power.

and perform wonders;
The wonders performed by God refer to His miraculous acts throughout history, which demonstrate His power and divine intervention in the world. These wonders include the creation of the universe, the parting of the Red Sea, and the miracles performed by Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, wonders often served as signs to confirm God's presence and authority, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) and the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16). In the New Testament, the miracles of Jesus, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, further reveal God's power and compassion. These wonders are a testament to God's active involvement in His creation and His ability to transcend natural laws.

You alone are God.
This phrase emphasizes the monotheistic belief central to the faith, affirming that there is only one true God. This declaration sets the God of Israel apart from the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding nations in biblical times. The exclusivity of God is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." This statement also serves as a rejection of idolatry, which was prevalent in the ancient Near East. The assertion that God alone is God underscores His uniqueness, sovereignty, and the futility of worshiping other gods or idols. It also points to the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 86, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God, his role as the second king of Israel, and his authorship of many psalms.

2. God
The central focus of this verse, God is acknowledged as the sole deity who is great and performs wonders, emphasizing His uniqueness and sovereignty.

3. Wonders
Refers to the miraculous acts and mighty deeds performed by God, which demonstrate His power and authority over creation.
Teaching Points
God's Uniqueness
Recognize that God alone is God, and there is no other like Him. This understanding should lead to exclusive worship and devotion.

Acknowledging God's Wonders
Reflect on the wonders God has performed in your life and in the world. This reflection should inspire gratitude and trust in His power.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
In times of uncertainty, remember that God is in control and capable of performing wonders. This trust should bring peace and confidence.

Worship as a Response
Our response to God's greatness and wonders should be worship. Engage in regular worship, both personally and corporately, as an expression of reverence and awe.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does recognizing God's greatness and His ability to perform wonders impact your daily life and decision-making?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the acknowledgment of God's uniqueness into your personal worship practices?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed God's wonders. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

4. How can the understanding that "You alone are God" influence your interactions with others who may hold different beliefs?

5. What other biblical accounts of God's wonders can you study to deepen your understanding of His power and sovereignty? How can these accounts encourage you in your current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 15:11
This verse also speaks of God's uniqueness and His ability to perform wonders, echoing the themes of God's greatness and the miraculous.

Deuteronomy 3:24
Moses acknowledges God's greatness and mighty acts, similar to the praise found in Psalm 86:10.

Isaiah 37:16
Isaiah's prayer highlights God's sovereignty and uniqueness, reinforcing the message that God alone is God.

Revelation 15:3-4
The song of Moses and the Lamb praises God's great and marvelous deeds, connecting the Old Testament understanding of God's wonders to the New Testament.
CuriositiesW. Birch.Psalm 86:10
A Pattern of PrayerA. Maclaren, D. D.Psalm 86:1-17
Assurances that God Will Hear PrayerA. Maclaren, D. D.Psalm 86:1-17
Man and the Great GodHomilistPsalm 86:1-17
People
David, Korah, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Alone, Deeds, Doest, Thyself, Wonder, Wonders, Wondrous, Works
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 86:10

     1060   God, greatness of
     1165   God, unique
     5784   amazement
     8138   monotheism

Psalm 86:8-10

     8440   glorifying God

Psalm 86:9-10

     8315   orthodoxy, in OT
     8623   worship, of God

Psalm 86:9-11

     8470   respect, for God

Library
A Sheaf of Prayer Arrows
'Bow down Thine ear, O Lord, hear me; for I am poor and needy. 2. Preserve my soul, for I am holy: O Thou my God, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee. 3. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto Thee daily. 4. Rejoice the soul of Thy servant: for unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5. For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.'--PSALM lxxxvi. 1-5. We have here a sheaf of arrows out of a good man's quiver, shot into heaven.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

My Savior Whose Infinite Grace
"Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee." -- Psalm 86:5. My Savior whose infinite grace Most kindly encompasses me, Whose goodness more brightly I trace, The more of my life that I see. -- The sins that I mournfully own, Thy meekness and mercy exalt, -- And sweet is the voice from Thy throne, That tenderly shows me a fault. Even now, while my praises arise, A sorrowful spirit is mine; A spirit Thou wilt not despise, For O! it is mourning
Miss A. L. Waring—Hymns and Meditations

That it is Profitable to Communicate Often
The Voice of the Disciple Behold I come unto Thee, O Lord, that I may be blessed through Thy gift, and be made joyful in Thy holy feast which Thou, O God, of Thy goodness hast prepared for the poor.(1) Behold in Thee is all that I can and ought to desire, Thou art my salvation and redemption, my hope and strength, my honour and glory. Therefore rejoice the soul of Thy servant this day, for unto Thee, O Lord Jesus, do I lift up my soul.(2) I long now to receive Thee devoutly and reverently, I desire
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Truth of God
The next attribute is God's truth. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.' Deut 32:4. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.' Psa 57:10. Plenteous in truth.' Psa 86:15. I. God is the truth. He is true in a physical sense; true in his being: he has a real subsistence, and gives a being to others. He is true in a moral sense; he is true sine errore, without errors; et sine fallacia, without deceit. God is prima veritas, the pattern and prototype
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
Sermon I (November 2, 1148.)[1005] 1. A certain abundant blessing, dearly beloved, has been sent by the counsel of heaven to you this day; and if it were not faithfully divided, you would suffer loss, and I, to whom of a surety this office seems to have been committed, would incur danger. I fear therefore your loss, I fear my own damnation,[1006] if perchance it be said, The young children ask bread, and no man offereth it unto them.[1007] For I know how necessary for you is the consolation which
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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