What does Psalm 81:11 mean?
ESV: "But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me.
NIV: "But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me.
NASB: 'But My people did not listen to My voice, And Israel did not obey Me.
CSB: "But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel did not obey me.
NLT: 'But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around.
KJV: But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
NKJV: “But My people would not heed My voice, And Israel would have none of Me.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 81:11–16 speaks from God's perspective. Despite His direct intervention to save them, the people of Israel chose to follow their own will instead of God's. The psalm briefly summarizes the promises God offered to Israel if they would be loyal. These include success against enemies as well as prosperity in their nation.
Chapter Summary:
Israel is called to remember God's incredible miracles on their behalf. As part of a feast day, the people are reminded of God's intervention during the exodus from Egypt. Some of this speaks from God's perspective. The psalm also notes that Israel responded to the Lord's rescue with disobedience. God wants His chosen people to follow His will; they will suffer the consequences of their own choices if they don't. To obey the Lord would bring Israel security and prosperity.
Chapter Context:
Asaph's song calls the people to celebrate a feast day, probably the Feast of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:13–15). It also mentions famous moments from Israel's journey out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Included are Passover (Exodus 11:4), the end of Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:41), the incident at Meribah (Exodus 17:7), and the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2–5). Aspects of this psalm recall God's promises and warnings about disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:1, 15).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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