Psalms 86:10 – “For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Psalm 86:10, David is expressing awe and reverence for God’s greatness. He acknowledges that God alone is capable of doing “marvelous deeds.” The word “marvelous” suggests actions that are beyond human ability—things that inspire wonder and amazement. David’s declaration, “You alone are God,” is a powerful affirmation that there is no other being like God, no one else who deserves worship and devotion.
This verse emphasizes that God’s greatness is not just about His power but also about His unique nature. David is proclaiming that God stands alone, unmatched in His ability to do extraordinary things. The phrase “you alone are God” excludes any possibility of other deities being on par with Him. David is making it clear that God is not just one god among many but the one and only true God.
Historical Context
During the time when David wrote this psalm, Israel was surrounded by nations that worshiped many gods. Each nation had its own set of deities associated with different aspects of life—rain, harvest, war, and fertility. However, David and the people of Israel were set apart because they worshiped only one God, who they believed was the Creator of everything and sovereign over all nations.
In this verse, David’s words reflect Israel’s firm conviction that the Lord is not like the idols of surrounding nations. Unlike those false gods who were powerless and limited, the God of Israel was living, active, and capable of performing miraculous deeds. The historical context shows that David’s declaration was both a statement of faith and a rejection of the idolatry that was prevalent in the cultures around them.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us several important theological truths. First, it reminds us of God’s sovereignty and unique greatness. There is no one who compares to God in power, wisdom, or holiness. The declaration that “you alone are God” reinforces the Bible’s consistent message that God is not just one option among many but the only true source of life, salvation, and hope.
Second, it emphasizes that God’s greatness is not just theoretical but demonstrated through His deeds. God’s works are “marvelous” because they reveal His character—His goodness, power, and faithfulness. The miracles God performs are not just displays of power; they show His care for His people and His commitment to fulfilling His promises.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 86 is structured as a prayer, combining personal petitions with declarations of faith in God’s character. Verse 10 stands out because it shifts from a plea for help to a proclamation of God’s greatness. This change in tone emphasizes the confidence David has in God.
The poetic structure here uses parallelism. The first part of the verse, “For you are great,” is paired with the second part, “and do marvelous deeds,” reinforcing the idea that God’s greatness is shown through His actions. The final phrase, “you alone are God,” serves as a climax, highlighting God’s exclusivity and unmatched power.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 15:11 – “Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”
- Deuteronomy 4:39 – “Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.”
- Isaiah 45:5 – “I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.”
- Revelation 4:11 – “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
These verses affirm God’s uniqueness and His power to do what no other can. They emphasize that God alone is worthy of worship and praise.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 86:10 is a reminder that we serve a God who is truly great. In a world that often turns to various sources for hope, security, or guidance, this verse calls us back to the truth that God alone is the source of everything good. He is not just another option among many; He is the only one who truly deserves our trust and devotion.
In times of doubt, fear, or confusion, this verse can be a source of comfort and confidence. Knowing that God is great and that His deeds are marvelous can strengthen our faith when we face challenges. It encourages us to remember the great things God has done in the past and trust that He will continue to act in our lives today.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 86:10 shows that God’s greatness is not just about His power but also about His character. The “marvelous deeds” God performs are expressions of His love and care for His people. God’s actions throughout history—whether delivering Israel from slavery, providing for them in the wilderness, or sending prophets to guide them—are evidence of His deep love.
God’s greatness and love are inseparable. He is great not just because He is powerful but because He uses that power for good. This verse reassures us that God’s greatness is directed toward our benefit, showing that He is both mighty and loving.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The fulfillment of Psalm 86:10 is found in Jesus Christ. Jesus performed “marvelous deeds” throughout His ministry—healing the sick, raising the dead, calming storms, and ultimately, conquering death through His resurrection. These acts were not just miracles but signs that pointed to God’s kingdom and His power to restore and redeem.
Jesus is also the ultimate revelation that “you alone are God.” In Christ, we see the fullness of God’s character—His love, mercy, justice, and power. Jesus declared that He and the Father are one (John 10:30), and through His life, death, and resurrection, He showed that God’s greatness is beyond comparison.
Furthermore, the final victory in Jesus is the ultimate “marvelous deed” that brings glory to God’s name. Through Christ, people from all nations will one day acknowledge God’s greatness, fulfilling the vision of global worship that David anticipated.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can recognizing God’s greatness change the way you face difficulties in your life?
- In what ways have you seen God’s “marvelous deeds” in your own life?
- How does knowing that “you alone are God” impact the way you live out your faith daily?
- What are some things in your life that you might be tempted to put before God? How can this verse help you refocus?
- How does Jesus’ life and miracles demonstrate that God alone is great and worthy of worship?
These questions are meant to encourage deeper reflection on God’s unique greatness and inspire a stronger, more focused faith in the one true God who performs marvelous deeds.