Psalms 81 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 81 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

The song is also associated with Asaph, who was a servant of king David (1 Chronicles 16:4–5). This psalm is described using the term gittiyth, which literally means "winepress." This might refer to an instrument or a style of music.

Israel's people are called to praise the Lord using various musical instruments. Mention is made of a feast day. These holidays were defined according to a lunar calendar. Full moons and new moons were among the signs indicating when these festival should be held (Psalm 81:1–3).

God commanded the people of Israel to celebrate several festivals during the year (Leviticus 23). One of these is the Feast of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:13–15). That holiday's festive nature fits with the positive tone presented at the start of this psalm. God's commands came as part of the nation's journey from Egypt into the Promised Land. Along the way, God spoke to the people using several miraculous events. Those events might be part of what the psalmist means about an unknown language: that this was an entirely new way of hearing from the Lord. It might also suggest that the psalmist is hearing directly from God. Either way, the song will shift to speak from God's perspective (Psalm 81:4–5).

Critical moments to remember were the first Passover (Exodus 11:4) and Israel's rescue from slavery (Exodus 12:41). Moses went into a thundering, cloudy mystery at Sinai (Exodus 19:17–20). There, he was given commandments for the nation. Also mentioned is Israel's infamous complaining and doubting the Lord at Meribah (Exodus 17:3–7). That led to a miraculous spring of water from a rock. When the people were unhappy, God cared for them (Psalm 81:6–7).

Given that history, the Lord calls Israel to follow Him as He had commanded. The first of the Ten Commandments prohibited having other gods, and the second prohibiting worshiping idols (Exodus 20:2–5). God had promised to care for Israel and to bless them if they were loyal to Him (Deuteronomy 28:1). This psalm repeats God's intent to prosper His chosen people if they were willing to obey (Psalm 81:8–10).

However, a persistent theme of Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan was disobedience and sin. Rather than cooperating with the God who rescued them from slavery, Israel was often defiant. At times, God responded to that rebellion with supernatural punishment (Numbers 21:4–9). Mostly, though, He left them to the natural consequences of their choices (Psalm 81:11–12).

Though God warned of consequences for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15), He also offered great benefits if Israel would obey (Deuteronomy 28:2–14). Even after falling into sin, God was willing to restore the nation (2 Chronicles 7:14) if they would come back to Him in faith. That would mean safety from their many enemies as well as prosperity in the Promised Land (Psalm 81:13–16).

Psalm 81:1–5 begins with Asaph's call for worship during a festival (Deuteronomy 16:13–15). The people should praise the Lord joyfully and enthusiastically. These are celebrations established by God Himself. Multiple instruments are mentioned for this day of remembrance which began when Israel was freed from Egypt. The reference to hearing a language either means the revelations of God during the exodus, or that the psalmist is hearing from God directly.

Psalm 81:6–10 comes after a comment about a new language (Psalm 81:5). That phrase might mean that the psalmist is hearing the next words as if from God Himself. Or it might mean that the way in which God communicated with Israel changed drastically after leaving Egypt. Either way, the song describes how God freed Israel and provided them with miracles. The Lord expects the people to reject false gods and worship only Him, as He has commanded.

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).

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 10:07:59 AM