Psalms 95:3
For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
This verse reflects Israel's theology during periods when they were surrounded by nations claiming divine authority for their own gods. In the ancient Near East, each nation understood its god as supreme and called its king the god's representative. Israel's declaration that YHWH was 'great' and 'above all gods' was countercultural. The language parallels declarations in Exodus 15:11 ('Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods?') and throughout the Psalms (Psalm 86:8, 89:6-8). During the Babylonian exile, when Marduk was proclaimed supreme in Babylon and Israel's Temple lay in ruins, such affirmations of YHWH's supremacy would have sustained faith. In the post-exilic period, when Jews lived under Persian rule and later Greek rule, this declaration maintained theological identity and religious confidence despite political subjugation. The phrase echoes the second commandment (Exodus 20:3) and theological statements throughout Deuteronomy that assert YHWH's exclusivity and supremacy.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean theologically to assert that God is 'great' and 'king above all gods' in a world that claims many sources of power and authority?
- How should the declaration of God's supremacy affect our willingness to worship Him alone rather than offering allegiance to competing authorities?
- In what ways does recognizing God as 'great' challenge human pride and the tendency to elevate human accomplishment or wisdom?
- How does this verse provide rational and theological foundation for the passionate worship commanded in the preceding verses?
- What does 'great King' imply about God's authority to govern our lives and demand our allegiance?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse establishes God's superiority within the cosmos through explicit theological declaration. 'For the LORD is a great God' employs the word 'gadol' (great), indicating supremacy in power, authority, and dignity. The emphasis 'and a great King above all gods' makes a twofold claim: first, that God is king (ruler and sovereign), and second, that He is exalted above all other gods. This declares not merely monotheism but explicit supremacy over any claims rival powers might make. The phrase 'above all gods' acknowledges the existence of other deities in the religious landscape of the ancient world (whether understood as demon powers, false gods, or merely the gods worshipped by other nations) while asserting their absolute subordination. The 'For' (Hebrew 'ki') suggests this verse provides the theological rationale for the worship commands of verses 1-2: we worship the Lord with such intensity because He is uniquely great and supremely authoritative. This verse functions as a doctrinal anchor, establishing God's absolute sovereignty as the foundation for corporate praise.