There must be no strange god among you
This phrase emphasizes the exclusivity of worship that God demands from His people. In the context of ancient Israel, the surrounding nations worshiped a variety of deities, often associated with natural elements or specific regions. The command to have no "strange god" among them is a call to purity in worship, reflecting the first of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3). The term "strange god" refers to any deity that is not Yahweh, the God of Israel. This prohibition is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God is portrayed as a jealous God (Exodus 34:14), desiring undivided loyalty from His people. The historical context includes the frequent temptation for Israel to adopt the gods of neighboring cultures, which often led to syncretism and idolatry, as seen in the accounts of the Judges and Kings.

nor shall you bow to a foreign god
Bowing is an act of worship and submission, and this phrase underscores the prohibition against idolatry. The act of bowing to a foreign god would signify allegiance and reverence, which is due only to Yahweh. This command is consistent with the Shema, a central declaration of Jewish faith found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which calls for love and devotion to God alone. The cultural context of the ancient Near East included the worship of gods like Baal, Asherah, and Molech, which often involved rituals and sacrifices that were abhorrent to the God of Israel. Theologically, this command points to the holiness and uniqueness of God, who is incomparable and sovereign over all creation. In the New Testament, this exclusivity is echoed in the teachings of Jesus, who affirmed the greatest commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life, and through whom believers are called to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

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.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.(9) Open . . .--A condensed statement of God's gracious promise (Deuteronomy 7:12-13; Deuteronomy 8:7; Deuteronomy 8:9; Deuteronomy 11:13; Deuteronomy 11:16, &c). It is said to have been a custom in Persia, that when the king wishes to do a visitor especial honour he desires him to open his mouth wide, and the king then-crams it full of sweetmeats, and sometimes even with jewels. And to this day it is a mark of politeness in Orientals to tear off the daintiest bits of meat for a guest, and either lay them before him, or put them in his mouth. (See Thomson, Land and Book, p. 127.)

Verse 9. - There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god (comp; Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7). Such worship had evidently begun, and required to be forbidden afresh.

Parallel Commentaries ...


There must be no
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

strange
זָ֑ר (zār)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2114: To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adultery

god
אֵ֣ל (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

among you,
בְ֭ךָ (ḇə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

nor shall you
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

bow
תִ֝שְׁתַּחֲוֶ֗ה (ṯiš·ta·ḥă·weh)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate

to a foreign
נֵכָֽר׃ (nê·ḵār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5236: That which is foreign, foreignness

god.
לְאֵ֣ל (lə·’êl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty


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OT Poetry: Psalm 81:9 There shall be no strange god (Psalm Ps Psa.)