Text: Psalms 81:9-10
OT Text Referred to: Deuteronomy 5:7
Subject: Monotheistic claim (B)
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): None
Significance: Psalm 81:9 commands "There shall be no foreign god among you" — a liturgical adaptation of the first commandment in Deuteronomy 5:7: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (לֹא יִהְיֶה־לְךָ אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים עַל־פָּנָיַ, lo yihyeh-lekha elohim acherim al-panay). The psalm's formulation substitutes "foreign god" (אֵל נֵכָר/אֵל זָר) for "other gods" (אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים) but preserves the exclusive loyalty demand. By setting the first commandment within a festival celebration context (the psalm references trumpet-blowing and appointed feasts, vv. 3-4), the psalmist shows how covenant law was regularly proclaimed in Israel's worship as a call to renewed fidelity.