Psalms 81

Ps 81 This warning message invites Israel to worship only the Lord and to enjoy the fullness of his blessing.81:1-3 As a prelude to the message of warning, the psalmist invites Israel to contemplate their God in song and dance.

81:2 An Israelite tambourine was a hand drum—a round frame covered with a skin, used as a percussion instrument during festivities, often to accompany dancing (68:25; 149:3; 150:4). • The sweet lyre and the harp, both stringed instruments, are the instruments most frequently mentioned in the psalms (e.g., 33:2; 57:8; 71:22; 150:3).

81:3 The ram’s horn mustered armies and announced special holy days (47:5; 98:6). • new moon: The first day of the lunar month marked a festival.

81:4-5 The festival, a time to celebrate and listen to the Lord, took place at God’s appointed time.

81:5 for Israel: Literally for Joseph. The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (the sons of Joseph) are used here to refer to the entire nation of Israel.

81:6-7 The Lord heard Israel’s cry in Egypt and rescued them from oppressive slavery.

81:8-10 God pleads with his people to remember the covenant and the Ten Commandments.

81:10 God emphasizes that he and no one else rescued Israel. • The nation should open its mouth wide to take in God’s word (cp. Deut 8:3; Ezek 3:1).

81:11-16 The Lord helps Israel to understand that their failure was not because of his weakness.

81:13-14 God wants to give his children his goodness, but only if they listen (Isa 1:18-19; 28:12; 48:18-19; see Deut 6:3). • God promises to subdue the enemies (Deut 9:3) of those who walk the paths of obedience and loyalty. He will also richly feed his people (Isa 1:19).