Psalms 86:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 86:10
10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
Chapter Context
Psalms 86 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, mercy, covenant. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-17: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 86:10
10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
Analysis
For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. This doxological conclusion grounds the previous verse's prophetic vision in God's nature. Thou art great (gadol attah, גָּדוֹל אַתָּה) affirms incomparable magnitude—not merely large but infinitely surpassing all created things. Divine greatness encompasses power, wisdom, holiness, and all perfections existing without limit.
The phrase doest wondrous things (oseh nifla'ot, עֹשֵׂה נִפְלָאוֹת) references miraculous works—acts that inspire awe, transcending natural explanation. These nifla'ot include creation, exodus deliverance, provision in wilderness, victories over enemies, and ultimately the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ—the supreme wonder of God's redemptive work.
The climactic declaration thou art God alone (attah Elohim levadekha, אַתָּה אֱלֹהִים לְבַדֶּךָ) asserts absolute monotheism—no other being shares deity with Yahweh. This exclusivity grounds missionary urgency: if God alone is truly God, all peoples must acknowledge Him. The New Testament maintains this monotheism while revealing God's triune nature—Father, Son, and Spirit as one God performing wondrous redemption.
Historical Context
This affirmation echoes Moses's declaration after the Red Sea crossing: "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods?" (Exodus 15:11) and anticipates Isaiah's prophetic emphasis on God's exclusive deity during the exile (Isaiah 43:10-11, 44:6, 45:5-6). The early church's proclamation of Jesus as Lord confronted Roman polytheism with this radical monotheism, insisting Christ's deity didn't compromise but revealed the one true God's nature.
Reflection
- What 'wondrous things' has God done in your life that testify to His greatness and uniqueness?
- How does confessing 'thou art God alone' challenge idolatrous devotion to created things or human institutions?
- How can you maintain biblical monotheism while explaining the Trinity to those unfamiliar with Christian theology?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 72:18, 86:8, Exodus 15:11, Deuteronomy 32:39, Isaiah 37:16, 37:20
- Parallel theme: Acts 4:30