O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours. O Lord, there is none like You among the godsThis phrase emphasizes the uniqueness and supremacy of the Lord. In the ancient Near Eastern context, many cultures worshiped a pantheon of gods, each with specific domains and powers. The psalmist, however, declares the Lord's incomparability, affirming monotheism in a polytheistic world. This echoes the first commandment in Exodus 20:3, "You shall have no other gods before Me," and highlights the Lord's sovereignty over all creation. The phrase also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who is described as having "the name above every name" ( Philippians 2:9). nor any works like Yours
This part of the verse acknowledges the unparalleled deeds of the Lord. The works of God include creation, providence, and redemption, which are unmatched by any other deity or power. The miracles performed throughout the Bible, from the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) to the resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28), demonstrate God's mighty works. This phrase invites reflection on the historical acts of God in Israel's history and the fulfillment of His promises through Christ, who performed works that testified to His divine nature (John 10:25). Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 86, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God, his psalms, and his role as the second king of Israel. 2. God (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, Yahweh is the God of Israel, known for His uniqueness and incomparable works. 3. The godsRefers to the false gods or idols worshiped by surrounding nations, highlighting the contrast between them and the one true God. Teaching Points The Uniqueness of GodRecognize and affirm that there is no one like God in power, wisdom, and love. This understanding should lead to a deeper reverence and worship. The Futility of IdolatryReflect on the futility of placing trust in anything other than God, whether it be material possessions, status, or other "gods" in our lives. God's Incomparable WorksAcknowledge and celebrate the mighty works of God in creation, history, and personal life. This should inspire gratitude and trust in His ongoing work. Faithfulness in PrayerLike David, approach God in prayer with confidence in His unique ability to hear and respond, knowing that no other can compare to Him. Witnessing to God's GreatnessShare with others the truth of God's uniqueness and His mighty works, serving as a witness to His greatness in a world full of competing "gods." Bible Study Questions 1. How does recognizing the uniqueness of God influence your daily worship and prayer life? 2. In what ways might modern "gods" or idols compete for your attention and trust, and how can you refocus on God alone? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's incomparable works in your life. How did this impact your faith? 4. How can you incorporate the truth of God's uniqueness into your conversations with others, especially those who may not share your faith? 5. What steps can you take to ensure that your trust remains solely in God, rather than in the temporary and unreliable "gods" of this world? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15:11This verse echoes the theme of God's incomparability among the gods, emphasizing His majestic holiness and awe-inspiring deeds. 1 Kings 8:23Solomon's prayer acknowledges that there is no God like Yahweh, reinforcing the uniqueness and faithfulness of God to His covenant. Isaiah 40:18This passage questions to whom God can be compared, underscoring His unmatched nature and the futility of idols. Jeremiah 10:6-7These verses declare that there is none like God, emphasizing His greatness and the reverence due to Him. People David, Korah, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Compare, Deeds, Gods, None, Nothing, O, Works, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 86:8 1150 God, truth of
1230 God, the Lord Psalm 86:8-10 8440 glorifying 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 ScriptureMy 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 Links Psalm 86:8 NIVPsalm 86:8 NLTPsalm 86:8 ESVPsalm 86:8 NASBPsalm 86:8 KJV
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