The Treasury of David
by C.H. Spurgeon
EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS
(Psalms 86 Verse 8)
EXPOSITION
Verse 8. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord. There are gods by delegated office, such as kings and magistrates, but they are as nothing in the presence of Jehovah; there are also gods by the nomination of superstition, but these are vanity itself, and cannot be compared with the living and true God. Even if the heathen idols were gods, none of them in power or even in character, could be likened unto the self existent, all creating God of Israel. If every imaginary deity could start into actual existence, and become really divine, yet would we choose Jehovah to be our God, and reject all others.
Neither are there any works like unto thy works. What have the false gods ever made or unmade? What miracles have they wrought? When did they divide a sea, or march through a wilderness scattering bread from the skies? O Jehovah, in thy person and in thy works, thou art as far above all gods as the heavens are above the nethermost abyss.
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS
Verse 8-10. -- There are two kinds of doubt which are wont in the hour of temptation to assail the soul: the doubt as to God's willingness, and the doubt as to God's power to succour. The first of these the Psalmist has already put from him; he now shows that he has overcome the second. God is able as well as willing to help, and every being on the face of the earth who receives help, receives it from the hand of Him who is the only God, and who shall one day be recognized (so speaks the strong prophetic hope within him, Psalms 86:9) as the only God. --J.J.S. Perowne.
HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS
Verse 8.
- God is one; the only God: characters of false gods inferior far.
- His works are unique. Nature, providence, grace, all peculiar in many respects. A good theme for a thoughtful preacher.