Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord (see the Song of Moses, Exodus 15:11 ). The imaginary gods of the heathen—not, perhaps, known to the psalmist to be wholly imaginary—are probably meant (comp. Psalms 77:19 ; Psalms 89:6 ; Psalms 95:3 ). Neither are there any works like unto thy works. So in Deuteronomy 3:24 , "What god is there in heaven or in earth that can do according to thy works?" read more
God incomparable. "Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord." It may be asked Why should God be compared with gods that Scripture so vigorously declares are no gods? It is enough to reply that all teachers must come down to the level of those whom they would teach; and begin by accepting their ideas in order to lead them on and up to higher and worthier. Calvin puts this point well. "Should any one assert that it is unseemly to compare God to the empty fictions, the answer is... read more
All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord (comp. Psalms 72:11 , Psalms 72:17 ; Psalms 82:8 , etc.). Since God had made all nations ( Acts 17:26 ), it was safe to conclude that they would all one day worship him. The prophecy, however, still remains unfulfilled. And shall glorify thy Name. Either with their lips, or in their lives, or in both ways. Compare the anticipations of Isaiah ( Isaiah 66:23 ), Zephaniah ( Zephaniah 2:10 ), and Zechariah (... read more
Grace triumphant. The declaration of God's ultimate possession of all hearts, which is involved in this verse, is found not here alone (cf. Psalms 22:27 ; Psalms 66:4 ; Isaiah 66:18 , Isaiah 66:23 ; John 12:32 ; Philippians 2:10 , Philippians 2:11 , etc.); and, assuredly, it is the spirit of the whole Scripture. And such considerations as the following sustain such blessed belief. I. THAT IT IS A FAITH WHICH SO COMMENDS ITSELF TO THE CONSCIENCE OF ... read more
God glorifying his own Name. By letting that Name be known among the Gentiles, so that they glorify him. At last all the world shall unite in lifting up holy hands and loving hearts to God, and unite in singing, "Praise God, praise God; This conception of the universal acknowledgment of Jehovah is strange for an exclusive Jew, and is a foreshadowing of Christian ideas. We are to think of God as seeking the glorifying of his Name in this—that every creature made in his image unites in the... read more
For thou art great, and doest wondrous things. The" greatness" of God, in reality most clearly manifested by the facts of his ordinary providence, seems to men in general, as it seemed to this psalmist, especially indicated by the "wonders," or "miracles"— נפלאוֹת —which he wrought (comp. Exodus 15:11 ; Psalms 72:18 ; Psalms 77:14 ). Thou art God alone (see 2 Kings 19:15 ; Isaiah 37:16 ; Isaiah 44:6 , Isaiah 44:8 ). read more
Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth (comp. Psalms 25:4 ; Psalms 27:11 ; Psalms 119:33 ). Man cannot know "the way of the Lord," unless he is taught of God. The inward anointing of the Spirit is needful to teach us what God would really have us do ( 1 John 2:27 ). It is only when we are thus taught that we can "walk in his truth." Unite my heart to fear thy Name. So Symmachus, who has ἕνωσον ; Canon Cook, Dr. Kay, Hupfeld, Professor Alexander, and the Revised... read more
A comprehensive prayer. "Unite my heart to fear thy Name," etc. This rich and elevated psalm is well called in the title "a prayer," rather than "a psalm." It is more devout than poetical. Its distinctive character is the remarkable union of intense personal feeling with large views of God's character and relation to mankind ( Psalms 86:9 ). This has led critics to speak of it as "liturgical," overlooking the deep strain of personal feeling, leading the psalmist even ( Psalms 86:16 )... read more
True religion, and what it calls for. I. THE ESSENCE OF ALL TRUE RELIGION IS THE FEAR OF GOD . "To fear thy Name," says the psalmist, and so saying he sets forth the central nature of real religion. But this fear II. THERE CAN BE NO SUCH RELIGION UNLESS THE HEART BE IN IT . Intellect may be there, Reason give her assent. Approval may be expressed—it often is. Deep feeling experienced, this not unusual; but unless the heart, the will—for... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 86:6-10
In this second strophe praise is predominant. Prayer occupies two verses only ( Psalms 86:6 , Psalms 86:7 ); in the other three ( Psalms 86:8-10 ) God is magnified and glorified. read more