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Book of Psalms - Chapter 81 - Verse 9

81:9
There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.

Meaning

This verse from the Bible emphasizes the importance of remaining loyal to the one true God and not allowing any other gods to take His place in our lives. The term "strange god" refers to any deity or idol that is worshipped in place of or alongside the one true God. In the context of the Bible, worshiping other gods was seen as a betrayal of the covenant between God and His people. The verse serves as a reminder to stay faithful to God and to not be swayed by the allure of false idols. By following this commandment, believers demonstrate their devotion to God and acknowledge His sovereignty over all other gods.

Theological Overview

When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, it is crucial to understand that God demands exclusive worship from His people. The use of the term 'strange god' refers to any deity outside of the one true God of Israel. The Israelites were forbidden from worshiping idols or gods of other nations, as it goes against the very essence of monotheism. The emphasis here is on the purity and singularity of worshiping God alone. This verse underscores the importance of loyalty and devotion to the one true God, rejecting any form of idolatry or polytheism. It also serves as a reminder to stay faithful to God and not be swayed by the false gods and beliefs of the surrounding cultures. By staying true to God and rejecting all other gods, one demonstrates their commitment to the covenant relationship they have with Him.

American Standard Version

There shall no strange god be in thee; Neither shalt thou worship any foreign god.
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