August 23, 2024

The Old Testament Recap

Psalm 81

Rachel Fagan
Friday's Devo

August 23, 2024

Friday's Devo

August 23, 2024

Friday's Devo

August 23, 2024

Friday's Devo

August 23, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 81:11-12

"But my people did not listen to my voice;
Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
to follow their own counsels."

Psalm 81

Oh, That My People Would Listen to Me

To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. 1 81:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term Of Asaph.

1  Sing aloud to God our strength;
    shout for joy to the God of Jacob!
2  Raise a song; sound the tambourine,
    the sweet lyre with the harp.
3  Blow the trumpet at the new moon,
    at the full moon, on our feast day.

4  For it is a statute for Israel,
    a rule 2 81:4 Or just decree of the God of Jacob.
5  He made it a decree in Joseph
    when he went out over 3 81:5 Or against the land of Egypt.
I hear a language I had not known:
6  “I relieved your 4 81:6 Hebrew his; also next line shoulder of the burden;
    your hands were freed from the basket.
7  In distress you called, and I delivered you;
    I answered you in the secret place of thunder;
    I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah
8  Hear, O my people, while I admonish you!
    O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
9  There shall be no strange god among you;
    you shall not bow down to a foreign god.
10  I am the LORD your God,
    who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
    Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

11  But my people did not listen to my voice;
    Israel would not submit to me.
12  So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
    to follow their own counsels.
13  Oh, that my people would listen to me,
    that Israel would walk in my ways!
14  I would soon subdue their enemies
    and turn my hand against their foes.
15  Those who hate the LORD would cringe toward him,
    and their fate would last forever.
16  But he would feed you 5 81:16 That is, Israel; Hebrew him with the finest of the wheat,
    and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

Footnotes

[1] 81:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
[2] 81:4 Or just decree
[3] 81:5 Or against
[4] 81:6 Hebrew his; also next line
[5] 81:16 That is, Israel; Hebrew him
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 81:1–3 The call to worship is a jubilant one. The people should shout for joy and play the various musical instruments (v. 2). The new moon and full moon are the beginning and middle of months in ancient Israel. This may show that the psalm was intended for the feast day of Trumpets (Lev. 23:23–25) and then Booths (Lev. 23:33–36).

Study Notes

Ps. 81:4–7 The God of Jacob worked on behalf of his people to deliver them from slavery in Egypt (see Ex. 6:6).

Study Notes

Ps. 81:8–10 I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt is very similar to the preface to the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:2). The basic warning, there shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god, summarizes the first two commandments (Ex. 20:3–6). The Lord wants his people to listen to him, to receive the covenant as an expression of his grace, to believe in him, and to live as he directs.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 81. This psalm resembles the OT prophets’ oracles, so perhaps it is best to think of it as a prophetic hymn. The primary function of the OT prophets is to challenge God’s people to covenant faithfulness. They tell of covenant blessings or punishments that will come, depending on the people’s response. This psalm reviews the basic history of the covenant, charges Israel with unfaithfulness, and urges them to once again embrace the covenant. God would then subdue Israel’s enemies.

Ps. 81:11–16 God’s people did not listen to his voice (v. 11), which led to sad consequences (v. 12). But God has not given up, and he addresses his people again with the opportunity to listen, to embrace the covenant, and to walk in God’s good ways (v. 13). The consequences of this genuine faithfulness would be victory over their enemies (v. 14) and fruitfulness for the land (v. 16).

S3:166 Psalm 81

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 81

I continue to shock myself at my own forgetfulness. My "steel trap" has devolved—I've never been more dependent on my literal to-do list. The more my thoughts swarm, the less likely I am to focus and remember my priorities. Notifications, competing tasks, and my own desire to zone out threaten my convictions. When I give up on capturing my thoughts and making them obedient to Christ, I set myself up for a day of distraction, disappointment, and discouragement. The truth is my mind was never a "steel trap." I need help from God to turn toward God.

On my own, I'm just like the Israelites (Psalm 81:11-12). I don't listen for God's voice, so I can't submit to His perfect will. I inevitably let my own deceitful heart and sinful desires inform my decisions. This leads me right back into the cycle of distraction, disappointment, and discouragement. See Isaiah 55:8-9. But God is wildly patient, and Jesus is intimately familiar with our struggles. He knew we would need help to remember and a way out of our own destructive tendencies. We also have the ultimate Helper—the Holy Spirit—to help us to think and feel God's way. 

God's love and faithfulness came first. His ask of us is the same as it was of Israel—listen to Him and walk in His ways (Psalm 81:13). These are simple requests that lead to the only provision that truly nourishes and satisfies, but it's at war with the empty promises of earthly comforts and habits. There's only one way to find out if "honey from the rock" (Psalm 81:16) is sweeter than whatever is pulling you away from the Lord today. My prayer is that He would draw us in, once again, to receive both His counsel and His provision. 

This month's memory verse

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

– Joshua 1:9

Discussion Questions

1. Is it easier for you to hear God's Word or to walk in His ways? How much of your day is spent doing either?

2. What tangible reminders draw you back to the Lord? Do you have a time, place, and plan to meet regularly with the Lord?

3. What earthly habits or comforts have you been pursuing in place of the Lord? If Jesus were sitting next to you, what area of your life would He ask you to trade in for His way?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

...if only you would listen to Me... Blow the shofar for the Passover! Listen up! It's also a rare Psalm where a shofar is blow. It goes along with the importance of listening. In Psalm 81 in the Hebrew Bible, the word for "shofar" is "שׁוֹפָר" (shofar). Psalm 81:3 (in Hebrew) reads: "תִּקְעוּ בַחֹדֶשׁ שׁוֹפָר, בַּכֵּסֶה לְיוֹם חַגֵּנוּ" which in English translates to "Sound the ram's horn at the New Moon, and when the moon is full, on the day of our festival." The blowing of the shofar in Psalm 81 symbolizes a call to attention, remembrance, proclamation, and the presence of God among His people. The feast that starts on a full moon is the Feast of Passover (Pesach). Passover begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which is the full moon of that month. This feast commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and is one of the key festivals in the Jewish calendar. Following the passover a series of failures and a big one revealing stubborn hearts. I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah No water .. again... Moses stuck a rock once and water flowed.. This time he was to speak to the rock,, elders gathered to the rock and it was as if God was on trial instead of speaking to it Moses struck the rock ( as if striking Jesus again who was to die no longer to die again) Water given but Moses failed. The people failed. The 'Meribah' conflict is followed by a lament and in Psalm 95:7-11 a serious decree "they will never enter into My rest". This is the center psalm of book 3. Center book in psalms, center psalm in that book, center verse in that Psalm is: Hear, Oooooohh my people, while I admonish you! Ooooooooh Israel, if you would but listen to me! Psalm 81:8 Ooooohhhh! used twice for emphasis... Third time's a charm! I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. Ooooohhhh, that my people would listen to me, Psalm 81:13 What is the solution for a stubborn heart? A heat will freely choose its highest desire even if wrong desires. The solution is a new heart. Disney may say 'a dream is a wish your heart makes" but what makes the heart wish rightly? A new heart with better treasures and better pleasures. Spurgeon considered this a particularly sweet Psalm. "a sweet and most instructive song" Turn away from false Gods and if only you would listen to me Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10 But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” Psalm 81:16 Considering it is at the center of the dark book of the Psalms filled with crisis it's interesting that God put a sweet Psalm in the very center and led off the first Psalm with "surely God is good to Israel".
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Rachel. I loved how you connected the dots of this statement from your bio to this psalm. “Jesus came into my heart while I was putting dishes away in my kitchen during the most devastating season of my life.” Your personal Meribah. In distress you called, and I delivered you;     I answered you in the secret place of thunder;     I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Psalm 81:7 Connecting some of the dots of Israel’s national story to this psalm. From Psalm 81 I am the LORD your God,     who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.     Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. But my people did not listen to my voice;     Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,     to follow their own counsels. Oh, that my people would listen to me,     that Israel would walk in my ways!   I would soon subdue their enemies     and turn my hand against their foes. Psalm 81:11-14 The conversation God had with Samuel back when… Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:4-9 Samuel’s warning per God’s instruction. So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking for a king from him. He said, “These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen and to run before his chariots. And he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his servants. He will take the tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and to his servants. He will take your male servants and female servants and the best of your young men and your donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.” 1 Samuel 8:10-18 And all the people said But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, “No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge 1 Samuel 8:19-20 Psalm 81, is the expression of a nation transitioning from an identity where they say, “No! But there shall be a king over us that we also may be, like, all the nations.” To a different identity where, unlike, other nations they maintain their identity without a king and, at times, without a land. Many years later it will be a primary reason Paul is able to travel from one old and established synagogue to another in his early missionary travels to the Gentile world. From yesterday’s deeper dive: “The psalm begins (Psalm 80:1-3) by addressing God as a shepherd. This would be a commonly known way to characterize God for the Israelites, seen also in Psalm 23.” It’s possible that rather than addressing God a shepherd being a “commonly known way to characterize God”, these Psalms are the catalyst for common Israelites, apart from Israelite kings, to start commonly characterizing God as a shepherd for themselves. It’s kind of a minor point but something has to happen to go from a people who say “no!, there shall be a king over us” to a people who say (exiled people void of a king and land) “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock.” Great deeper dives, yesterday’s and today’s.
SB

Sue Bohlin

SUPER devo, Rachel! Gotcha on your mind not really being a steel trap. More like a soft, exposed underbelly? Yeah, I get it. First, I'm a calligrapher. Years ago I lettered a plaque for my dentist of v. 10, "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." It still hangs in his operatory. (I also created an illuminated piece that hangs in his waiting room: "Blessed are they who engage in lively conversation with the helplessly mute, for they shall be called DENTISTS.") Second, I love how this psalm reveals God's heart. He longs for us to listen and obey so He can bless us, so it may go well with us. It's our own stubbornness and rebellion that keeps our "cups upside down" so we can't receive the blessings He delights to give us. How dumb are we? Dumb sheep. Chasing after what we think will make us happy when our Shepherd knows all the best places to feed and water us. Verse 12: "So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels." It's a fearsome thing when God plays Burger King with us: "OK, have it your way."
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Understanding God’s Word helps me as I walk in His ways. My whole day is dedicated to God’s Word and to doing things as He prefers. 2. Everything. I make a choice and tell people at certain times of the morning and at certain times in the evening I am not available. The Lord is good and valuable. 3. I listen to the Lord, but I have followed money and excessive exercise in the past. If Jesus was sitting next to me, he would tell me to continue believing in him and never to give up believing in him. Rachel - Thank you for sharing your ideas. Thank you for your honesty in saying, “I need help from God to turn toward God”. God is good.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Rachel, thank you for your vulnerability and sharing how hard it can be to listen to God at times. Your sharing was as if you had followed me around for a week and wrote how you see me live, often forgetting to listen to God for my priorities. Oh Israel, listen, submit, and follow my ways is the same prayer over us today.