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Psalms 86:10 meaning

God’s greatness inspires awe and calls us to wholehearted devotion.

For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God. (Ps. 86:10). These words convey a heartfelt conviction that the LORD’s character and works surpass anything the psalmist has witnessed. David, who lived from about 1010 to 970 BC, is traditionally understood to have written this psalm, during a time when he often found himself turning to the LORD for protection against enemies and guidance for leadership. By declaring God’s greatness, the psalmist affirms that no other deity or power can claim the same majesty or produce miraculous deeds at the level of Israel’s God. These words resonate with the truth that the Lord’s works are not only mighty but also benevolent in nature, reflecting His goodness and kindness.

For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God. (Ps. 86:10). The statement “You alone are God” underscores the monotheistic core of the Hebrew faith, distinguishing the LORD from any idols or regional deities. In David’s historical context, surrounding nations worshiped various gods, leading to the recurring temptation for Israel to divide their allegiance. Yet here, David emphatically proclaims that only the God of Israel is the true and living God, unrivaled in power, faithful across generations, and worthy of all devotion. This theme of God’s exclusivity and supremacy is echoed in the New Testament’s repeated affirmation that Jesus is Lord and that all things were created through Him (John 1:3).

For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God. (Ps. 86:10). This verse also points believers to hold firm to God’s authority in every situation, trusting that He can perform the unimaginable for those who call upon Him. In times of trouble, much like David, we can remember God’s wondrous deeds in history—such as the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and later the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:6)—as assurance that the same powerful and compassionate God still reigns today.

Psalms 86:10