Psalm 86:8: God's uniqueness vs. others?
How does Psalm 86:8 affirm God's uniqueness compared to other gods?

Text of Psalm 86:8

“Among the gods there is none like You, O LORD; nor are there any works like Yours.”


Immediate Setting

David prays in a world teeming with idols. He acknowledges other so-called “gods,” yet insists they are incomparable to the LORD in being and in deeds.


What “gods” Means Here

• Earthly idols crafted by human hands (Psalm 96:5).

• Demonic powers behind idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:20–21).

• Rulers or spiritual beings wrongly exalted to divine status (Psalm 82:1).


How the Verse Declares God’s Uniqueness

• “None like You” – absolute, categorical difference; every rival is a pretender (Isaiah 40:18; 46:9).

• “Nor are there any works like Yours” – His actions prove His unique nature; idols can neither speak nor act (Jeremiah 10:5–6).


Scriptural Echoes of the Same Truth

Exodus 15:11 – “Who among the gods is like You, O LORD?”

Deuteronomy 32:39 – “There is no god besides Me.”

1 Samuel 2:2 – “There is no one holy like the LORD.”

1 Chronicles 17:20 – “There is no God but You.”

Isaiah 44:6–8 – He alone is the First and the Last.

1 Corinthians 8:4–6 – “There is no God but one.”


Unique Works on Display

• Creation: He “made the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1; Jeremiah 10:12).

• Covenant: He forms lasting, faithful covenants with His people (Genesis 17:7; Psalm 105:8–10).

• Redemption: He rescues Israel from Egypt (Exodus 6:6) and sinners through Christ (Titus 2:14).

• Providence: He sustains every breath and controls history (Colossians 1:17; Daniel 4:35).

• Resurrection: He raised Jesus, guaranteeing our future hope (Acts 2:24, 32).


Practical Takeaways for Believers

• Confidence: We worship the only true God; every rival is powerless.

• Loyalty: Because none compare, He deserves exclusive devotion (Deuteronomy 6:4–5).

• Witness: Declare His incomparable works to a world still chasing idols (Psalm 96:2–4).

What is the meaning of Psalm 86:8?
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