Psalm 81:9

There must be no strange god among you, nor shall you bow to a foreign god.

Study Bible

There must be no strange god among you
This phrase is a direct command from God, emphasizing the exclusivity of worship that He demands from His people. The Hebrew word for "strange" (זָר, zar) refers to something foreign or alien. In the context of ancient Israel, this would have been understood as any deity or idol that was not Yahweh, the God of Israel. Historically, the Israelites were surrounded by nations that worshipped a plethora of gods, and the temptation to adopt these practices was significant. This command underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God alone is to be worshipped. It serves as a reminder of the first commandment given at Sinai, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). The exclusivity of worship is a central theme in the Old Testament, highlighting God's desire for a pure and undivided devotion from His people.

nor shall you bow to a foreign god
The act of bowing is a physical expression of worship and submission. In Hebrew, the word for "bow" (תִּשְׁתַּחֲוֶה, tishtachaveh) conveys the idea of prostration, a deep act of reverence and humility. The phrase "foreign god" (אֵל נֵכָר, el nekar) reiterates the warning against idolatry. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bowing to a foreign god would not only signify religious infidelity but also a breach of the covenant with Yahweh. This command is not merely about physical posture but about the allegiance of the heart. The historical context reveals that Israel's identity was closely tied to their worship of Yahweh, and turning to other gods was seen as a betrayal of their unique relationship with Him. This verse calls believers to examine their own lives for anything that might take the place of God, urging them to maintain a heart wholly devoted to Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asaph
The author of Psalm 81, Asaph was a prominent Levite musician appointed by King David to lead worship in the tabernacle. His psalms often focus on God's covenant with Israel and the importance of faithfulness.

2. Israel
The primary audience of Psalm 81, representing God's chosen people who were called to worship Him alone and avoid idolatry.

3. Egypt
Mentioned earlier in Psalm 81, Egypt symbolizes the place of bondage from which God delivered the Israelites, reminding them of His power and faithfulness.

4. Canaan
The Promised Land where Israel was to live in obedience to God, avoiding the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations.

5. Foreign gods
The deities worshiped by the nations surrounding Israel, which God explicitly commanded His people to reject.

Teaching Points

Exclusive Worship
God demands exclusive worship from His people. Just as Israel was commanded to have no other gods, Christians are called to worship God alone, avoiding modern forms of idolatry such as materialism or self-worship.

Faithfulness to God
The call to reject foreign gods is a call to faithfulness. Believers are to remain loyal to God, trusting in His provision and guidance rather than turning to worldly solutions.

Covenant Relationship
Psalm 81:9 highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people. Understanding this relationship helps believers appreciate the depth of God's commitment and the seriousness of idolatry.

Spiritual Vigilance
The warning against foreign gods serves as a reminder to be vigilant in our spiritual lives, constantly evaluating what might be taking God's place in our hearts.

Cultural Influence
Just as Israel was surrounded by nations with different beliefs, Christians today must navigate a world with diverse ideologies, remaining steadfast in their faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some "strange gods" or idols that can subtly infiltrate a Christian's life today, and how can we guard against them?

2. How does understanding the historical context of Israel's struggle with idolatry help us apply Psalm 81:9 to our lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship remains focused solely on God, both individually and corporately as a church?

4. How does the concept of a covenant relationship with God influence our daily decisions and priorities?

5. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to rely on something other than God. How did you overcome this, and what scriptures helped you in that situation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The first and second commandments given to Israel, prohibiting the worship of other gods and the making of idols, directly relate to the command in Psalm 81:9.

Deuteronomy 6:14-15
Reinforces the warning against following other gods, emphasizing God's jealousy and the consequences of idolatry.

1 Corinthians 10:14
Paul’s exhortation to flee from idolatry connects to the timeless relevance of Psalm 81:9 for Christians.