What does Psalm 81:12 mean?
ESV: So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.
NIV: So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.
NASB: So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, To walk by their own plans.
CSB: So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own plans.
NLT: So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas.
KJV: So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
NKJV: So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, To walk in their own counsels.
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.
Accessed 12/18/2024 1:08:52 PM
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