Psalm 86:8 Study Bible: There is no one like you among the gods, Lord, nor any deeds like your deeds.

◄ Psalm 86:8 ►

O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours.

O Lord
The term "Lord" here is translated from the Hebrew word "Adonai," which signifies a master or sovereign. In the context of this psalm, it emphasizes God's supreme authority and dominion over all creation. Historically, the Israelites recognized God as their ultimate ruler, distinct from earthly kings or rulers. This acknowledgment of God's lordship is a central theme in the Hebrew Scriptures, underscoring His unparalleled power and governance.

there is none like You
This phrase highlights the uniqueness and incomparability of God. The Hebrew word "kamocha" (like You) is used to express that no other being or entity can match God's attributes, character, or essence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, where polytheism was prevalent, this declaration served as a bold affirmation of monotheism, setting the God of Israel apart from the myriad of deities worshiped by surrounding nations.

among the gods
The term "gods" here, translated from the Hebrew "elohim," can refer to divine beings or idols worshiped by other cultures. In the historical context of the psalm, this phrase acknowledges the existence of other so-called gods but firmly asserts that they are inferior to the one true God. This reflects the biblical narrative that, while other nations may have their deities, none can compare to the God of Israel in power, majesty, or reality.

nor any works like Yours
This phrase emphasizes the unparalleled nature of God's actions and deeds. The Hebrew word "ma'aseh" (works) refers to God's creative and redemptive acts throughout history. From the creation of the world to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, God's works are depicted as mighty and wondrous. This assertion serves as a reminder of God's active involvement in the world and His ability to accomplish what no other being can. It inspires believers to trust in God's providence and power, knowing that His works are both unique and unmatched.

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 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 gods
Refers 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 God
Recognize 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 Idolatry
Reflect 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 Works
Acknowledge 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 Prayer
Like 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 Greatness
Share 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 15:11
This verse echoes the theme of God's incomparability among the gods, emphasizing His majestic holiness and awe-inspiring deeds.

1 Kings 8:23
Solomon's prayer acknowledges that there is no God like Yahweh, reinforcing the uniqueness and faithfulness of God to His covenant.

Isaiah 40:18
This passage questions to whom God can be compared, underscoring His unmatched nature and the futility of idols.

Jeremiah 10:6-7
These verses declare that there is none like God, emphasizing His greatness and the reverence due to Him.

Sermons

God Incomparable	R. Tuck	Psalm 86:8
God's Work	W. L. Watkinson.	Psalm 86:8
God's Works Unique	Homilist	Psalm 86:8
The Ways and Works of God	W. L. Watkinson.	Psalm 86:8
The Wonder-Working God	J. Irons.	Psalm 86:8
A Pattern of Prayer	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Psalm 86:1-17
Assurances that God Will Hear Prayer	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Psalm 86:1-17
Man and the Great God	Homilist	Psalm 86:1-17

People

David, Korah, Psalmist

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Compare, Deeds, Gods, None, Nothing, O, Works, Yours

Dictionary 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 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

Links

Psalm 86:8 NIV
Psalm 86:8 NLT
Psalm 86:8 ESV
Psalm 86:8 NASB
Psalm 86:8 KJV

Psalm 86:8 Commentaries

Bible Hub