◄ Psalm 81 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Sing for Joy to God Our Strength For the choirmaster. According to Gittith.a Of Asaph. 1 Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. 2Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre. 3Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast. 4For this is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob. 5He ordained it as a testimony for Josephb when he went out over the land of Egypt, where I heard an unfamiliar language: 6“I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket. 7You called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from the cloud of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah.c Selah 8Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me! 9There must be no strange god among you, nor shall you bow to a foreign god. 10I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it. 11But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me. 12So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. 13If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, 14how soon I would subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes! 15Those who hate the LORD would feign obedience, and their doom would last forever. 16But I would feed you the finest wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” Footnotes: 1 a Gittith is probably a musical or liturgical term; here and in Psalms 8 and 84. 5 b Or in Joseph 7 c Meribah means quarreling; see Exodus 17:7. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 81 Summary Sing for Joy to God Our Strength Verses 1–3 – Joyful Call to Feast The psalm opens with a burst of music. Trumpets, tambourines, harps, and lyres rally God’s people to sing and shout for the “God of Jacob.” It is festival time—New Moon, Full Moon, high feast—when the whole nation gathers to celebrate God’s strength with unrestrained praise. Verses 4–7 – Memorial of Deliverance The song reminds Israel that these feasts are not mere tradition; they are “a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob.” The calendar itself preaches deliverance, pointing back to Joseph’s offspring in Egypt. God speaks in the first person: “I relieved his shoulder of the burden… You called out in distress, and I rescued you.” From slave baskets to the thundercloud of Sinai and the test at Meribah, every memory says, “I saved you.” Verses 8–10 – Solemn Warning Against Idolatry Now God pleads: “Hear, O My people… if only you would listen.” The rescue at the Red Sea brought a demand—exclusive loyalty. “There must be no strange god among you.” The One who carried them out of Egypt still stands ready: “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Verses 11–12 – Consequence of Stubbornness Tragically, Israel turns away. God releases them to their own choices, and stubborn hearts lock them into dry wells of their own making. The silence after verse 12 is almost louder than the music of verse 1. Verses 13–16 – Promised Blessings for Obedience Yet hope rings out: “If only My people would listen… how soon I would subdue their enemies.” In place of forced rations, God pictures a banquet—“the finest wheat” and “honey from the rock.” Obedience would turn deserts into pantries overflowing with sweetness and strength. Psalm 81, attributed to Asaph, is a passionate call to remember and celebrate the power and faithfulness of God, particularly in the context of His deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. The Psalm expresses the desire of God for His people to obey His commandments and the blessings they forfeit when they do not. Authorship and Setting • “Of Asaph” links the psalm to the Levitical choir headed by Asaph (1 Chronicles 15:16–19). • Many scholars place Psalm 81 in the era of King Hezekiah or Josiah’s reforms, seasons when leaders urged the nation back to covenant faithfulness. • The heading “According to ‘The Gittith’” likely refers to a melody or instrument brought from Gath (cf. Psalm 8 and 84). Musical Fabric and Worship Atmosphere • Verses 1–3 stack instruments: trumpets (ram’s horn), tambourines, harps, lyres. Excavations at Megiddo and Lachish have uncovered small bronze cymbals and stringed-instrument parts that fit this ensemble. • The energy matches other festival songs such as Psalm 95:1–2, “Sing for joy to the LORD… shout aloud.” • Early Jewish tradition assigned Psalm 81 to the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), giving it an autumn feel when harvest and new civil year converge. Feasts on the Calendar • “New Moon” (v. 3) = first day of each month (Numbers 10:10). • “Full moon on the day of our feast” likely points to the Feast of Booths or Passover—both fall on the 15th when the moon is full (Leviticus 23:5, 34). • The rhythm of new and full moons kept Israel looking up. Each lunar phase whispered, “God orders time; trust His schedule.” Egypt, Joseph, and the Unknown Language • Verse 5 recalls an era when Israel heard “a language we did not understand.” Egyptian inscriptions confirm a Semitic slave class by the 15th century BC. • Joseph’s rise (Genesis 41) sets the stage. Centuries later, God “went out against Egypt,” breaking imperial power and fulfilling His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:13–14). Meribah: The Waters of Testing • “I tested you at the waters of Meribah” (v. 7) flashes back to Exodus 17:1–7 and Numbers 20:1–13. • Archaeologists have mapped the likely route near Wadi Feiran in the Sinai Peninsula where water channels lie just under the surface. The lesson: God could bring water from a rock; He could also bring honey (v. 16). Idolatry in Israel’s Story • Golden calf (Exodus 32), Baal of Peor (Numbers 25), and high places under the kings illustrate verses 9–12. • Deuteronomy 32:21 parallels the warning: “They provoked Me to jealousy with what is no god.” • The New Testament applies the same caution to believers: “Flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14). “Open Your Mouth Wide” – Picture of Provision • Young birds gaping for food capture the idea. Psalm 23:5, Psalm 34:10, and Matthew 6:26 all echo the promise that God delights to supply overflowing care. • Jesus mirrors the offer in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never hunger.” Stubborn Hearts and Divine Surrender • Verse 12’s pattern—God “gave them up”—recurs in Romans 1:24–28. Persistent refusal leads God to step back, allowing people to feel the weight of their own choices. • Yet the psalm’s closing plea shows His heart still longs to restore (compare Jeremiah 29:11–14). Promise of Wheat and Honey • “Finest wheat” evokes the choicest grain of the land (Deuteronomy 32:14). • “Honey from the rock” blends miracle and delight: in the dry hills of Judea, wild bees lodged in limestone crevices. The image turns a hard place into sweetness (Judges 14:8–9). • Jesus multiplies bread (John 6) and offers “living water” (John 4) as the deeper fulfillment. Messianic Echoes • The longing for a leader who brings obedience and blessing finds its answer in the Messiah. Hebrews 3:7–19 cites the Meribah account and urges faith in Christ today. • Revelation 21:4 pictures the final fulfillment—no more enemies, unbroken provision, God dwelling with His people. Practical Takeaways for Modern Believers • Celebrate God loudly. Joyful songs rehearse deliverance better than silent memory. • Keep time by God’s calendar—regular worship rhythms guard hearts against drift. • Reject every rival loyalty. Even subtle modern “gods” can muffle God’s voice. • When life feels dry, listen first. The Lord may be calling back, ready to pour wheat and honey where we least expect. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 20:3-4 Reinforces the command against idolatry, echoing the warning in Psalm 81. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 The Shema, calling for wholehearted love and obedience to God. John 10:27 Jesus speaks of His sheep hearing His voice, emphasizing the importance of listening to God. James 1:22 Encourages believers to be doers of the word, not just hearers, aligning with the call to obedience in Psalm 81. Teaching Points Call to Worship Psalm 81:1-3 begins with a call to rejoice and sing praises to God. Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. Reminder of Deliverance Verses 4-7 recount God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, emphasizing His role as their Savior and Provider. God's Command and Promise In verses 8-10, God commands His people to listen to Him and promises to fill their mouths with good things if they do. Warning Against Idolatry Verses 11-12 highlight Israel's refusal to listen and their turning to other gods, leading to God giving them over to their stubborn hearts. God's Desire for Obedience Verses 13-16 express God's longing for His people to listen and obey, promising blessings and protection if they do. Practical Applications Worship with Joy Make worship a joyful and regular part of your life, recognizing God as your strength. Remember God's Faithfulness Reflect on how God has delivered and provided for you in the past, strengthening your faith in His continued provision. Listen to God's Voice Be attentive to God's commands and promises, seeking to align your life with His will. Avoid Idolatry Identify and remove any idols in your life that may be taking the place of God. Embrace Obedience Understand that obedience to God leads to blessings and protection, and strive to follow His ways. People 1. God Referred to as the one who delivered Israel from Egypt and who desires their obedience and worship. In Hebrew, the name used is "Elohim" (אֱלֹהִים), which is a common term for God in the Old Testament, emphasizing His power and majesty. 2. Joseph Mentioned in verse 5, Joseph represents the tribes of Israel, as he was one of the patriarchs whose descendants formed part of the nation. The Hebrew name is "Yosef" (יוֹסֵף), which means "He will add" or "increase." Places 1. Egypt In Psalm 81:5, Egypt is referenced as the land from which God delivered the Israelites. The Hebrew word used here is "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), which is often associated with bondage and oppression in the biblical narrative. This reference serves as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness in liberating His people. 2. Joseph Although not a geographical location, "Joseph" in Psalm 81:5 is used to represent the tribes of Israel, particularly the descendants of Joseph, which include the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. The Hebrew name "יוֹסֵף" (Yosef) is used here, symbolizing the collective identity and heritage of the Israelites. Events 1. Call to Worship and Celebration The psalm begins with a call to sing joyfully to God: "Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob." (Psalm 81:1). The Hebrew word for "sing" (רָנַן, ranan) implies a loud, jubilant shout, emphasizing the exuberance of worship. 2. Use of Musical Instruments The psalmist instructs the use of musical instruments: "Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre." (Psalm 81:2). The Hebrew word for "tambourine" (תֹּף, tof) indicates a percussion instrument, highlighting the celebratory nature of the occasion. 3. Observance of a Festival A specific festival is mentioned: "Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast." (Psalm 81:3). The Hebrew term for "ram’s horn" (שׁוֹפָר, shofar) is significant in Jewish tradition, often used to mark important religious events. 4. Reminder of God's Decree The psalm references a divine ordinance: "For this is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob." (Psalm 81:4). The Hebrew word for "statute" (חֹק, choq) suggests a binding decree, underscoring the importance of obedience to God's commands. 5. God's Deliverance from Egypt God speaks of delivering Israel from Egypt: "I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket." (Psalm 81:6). The imagery of removing burdens reflects the Hebrew concept of liberation (פָּטַר, patar). 6. God's Response to Israel's Distress God recalls responding to Israel's cries: "In your distress you called, and I rescued you; I answered you from the cloud of thunder." (Psalm 81:7). The Hebrew word for "distress" (צָרָה, tsarah) conveys a sense of dire need, highlighting God's role as a deliverer. 7. Call to Listen and Obey God urges Israel to listen: "Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!" (Psalm 81:8). The Hebrew verb for "hear" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just listening but also obeying. 8. Prohibition of Idolatry A command against idolatry is given: "There must be no strange god among you, nor shall you bow to a foreign god." (Psalm 81:9). The term "strange god" (אֵל זָר, el zar) refers to deities outside the covenant relationship with Yahweh. 9. God's Provision and Promise God promises provision: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it." (Psalm 81:10). The imagery of filling the mouth suggests abundant provision and blessing. 10. Israel's Disobedience and Consequences The psalm recounts Israel's disobedience: "But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me." (Psalm 81:11). The Hebrew word for "obey" (אָבָה, avah) indicates a refusal to submit to God's authority. 11. God's Lament and Desire for Israel's Return God expresses a desire for Israel's return: "If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways." (Psalm 81:13). The conditional "if only" (לוּ, lu) reveals God's longing for reconciliation. 12. Promise of Victory and Satisfaction God promises victory and satisfaction: "I would quickly subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes." (Psalm 81:14). The Hebrew verb for "subdue" (כָּנַע, kana) implies bringing under control, indicating divine intervention. Lessons from Psalm 81 1. Listen to God's Voice Psalm 81:8 says, "Hear, O My people, and I will warn you—O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!" Listening to God is the first step in aligning our lives with His will. Just as we tune into our favorite radio station, we must tune our hearts to hear His voice. This means setting aside time for prayer and reflection, allowing His words to guide our daily decisions. 2. Remember God's Deliverance In verse 10, God reminds us, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt." Remembering past deliverances strengthens our faith. Reflect on how God has rescued you in the past, and let that bolster your confidence in His ability to handle your present and future challenges. 3. Avoid Idolatry Verse 9 warns, "There must be no strange god among you, nor shall you bow to a foreign god." Idolatry isn't just about statues; it's anything that takes God's place in our hearts. Whether it's work, relationships, or material possessions, ensure that nothing overshadows your devotion to Him. 4. Open Wide for God's Blessings God promises in verse 10, "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." This is an invitation to expect great things from Him. Approach God with an open heart, ready to receive His blessings, wisdom, and guidance. Trust that He desires to fill your life with good things. 5. Obedience Brings Fulfillment Verse 13 expresses God's longing: "If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways." Obedience to God is not about restriction but about living a life of fulfillment and purpose. When we follow His ways, we align ourselves with His perfect plan, leading to true joy and peace. 6. God's Protection is Assured In verse 14, God promises, "How soon I would subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes!" Trust in God's protection over your life. He is your defender, ready to fight your battles. Rest in the assurance that He is always on your side, working for your good. 7. Experience God's Provision Verse 16 declares, "But I would feed you with the finest wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." God is a provider who meets our needs abundantly. Trust Him to supply not just your physical needs but also your spiritual and emotional ones, bringing satisfaction from unexpected places. 8. The Consequences of Disobedience Verse 11 reveals, "But My people would not listen to Me; Israel would not submit to Me." Disobedience leads to missed opportunities and blessings. Let this be a reminder to stay close to God, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all things, to avoid the pitfalls of going our own way. 9. God's Desire for Relationship Psalm 81 is a testament to God's desire for a close relationship with His people. He longs for us to listen, obey, and walk with Him daily. Embrace this relationship, knowing that the Creator of the universe wants to be intimately involved in your life. 10. The Joy of Worship The psalm begins with a call to worship: "Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob" (verse 1). Worship is a powerful expression of our love and gratitude to God. Make it a regular part of your life, and experience the joy and strength that comes from praising Him wholeheartedly. Topics 1. Call to Worship and Celebration The psalm begins with a call to rejoice and celebrate God's goodness. "Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob." (Psalm 81:1). The Hebrew word for "sing" (רָנַן, ranan) implies a loud, joyful shout, emphasizing the exuberance of worship. 2. Use of Musical Instruments in Worship The psalm encourages the use of instruments in worship: "Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre." (Psalm 81:2). This highlights the importance of music in expressing praise and adoration to God. 3. Observance of Appointed Festivals The psalm references the observance of sacred times: "Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast." (Psalm 81:3). The Hebrew term for "Feast" (חַג, chag) refers to the appointed festivals, underscoring the communal aspect of worship. 4. Reminder of God's Deliverance from Egypt God reminds Israel of His deliverance: "I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket." (Psalm 81:6). This recalls the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history, emphasizing God's power and faithfulness. 5. God's Response to Israel's Cries The psalm recounts God's response to Israel's distress: "In your distress you called, and I rescued you; I answered you from the thundercloud." (Psalm 81:7). The imagery of the "thundercloud" (סֵתֶר רָעַם, seter ra'am) suggests God's majestic and awe-inspiring presence. 6. Admonition Against Idolatry God warns against idolatry: "You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not bow down to an alien god." (Psalm 81:9). The Hebrew word for "foreign" (זָר, zar) emphasizes the exclusivity of worship due to Yahweh alone. 7. God's Desire to Bless His People God expresses His desire to bless Israel if they would obey: "Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it." (Psalm 81:10). This metaphor indicates God's readiness to provide abundantly for His people. 8. Consequences of Disobedience The psalm warns of the consequences of Israel's disobedience: "But My people would not listen to Me; Israel would not obey Me." (Psalm 81:11). The Hebrew root for "obey" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies attentive listening and action. 9. God's Lament Over Israel's Stubbornness God laments Israel's stubbornness: "So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices." (Psalm 81:12). The phrase "stubborn hearts" (לֵב שׁוֹבֵב, lev shovav) conveys a sense of rebelliousness and self-will. 10. Promise of Victory and Provision The psalm concludes with a promise of victory and provision for obedience: "But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." (Psalm 81:16). This imagery of "honey from the rock" (דְּבַשׁ מִסֶּלַע, devash misela) symbolizes unexpected and abundant blessings. Themes 1. Call to Worship and Praise Psalm 81 begins with a call to worship and praise God through music and song. The psalmist invites the congregation to "Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob" (Psalm 81:1). The Hebrew word for "strength" (עֹז, 'oz) emphasizes God as a source of power and refuge. 2. Remembrance of God's Deliverance The psalm recounts God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, reminding the people of His mighty acts. "I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket" (Psalm 81:6). This theme highlights God's role as a deliverer and protector, rooted in the Hebrew concept of salvation (יָשַׁע, yasha). 3. Covenant Relationship and Obedience The psalm underscores the importance of Israel's covenant relationship with God and the call to obedience. "Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you: O Israel, if you would but listen to Me!" (Psalm 81:8). The Hebrew word for "listen" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing but also obeying. 4. Warning Against Idolatry A strong warning is given against idolatry, urging the people to worship only the true God. "There shall be no strange god among you, nor shall you bow to a foreign god" (Psalm 81:9). The theme reflects the first commandment and the Hebrew understanding of exclusive worship (עֲבוֹדָה, avodah). 5. God's Desire to Bless His People God expresses His desire to bless and provide for His people if they remain faithful. "Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it" (Psalm 81:10). This theme emphasizes God's readiness to provide abundantly, rooted in the Hebrew concept of blessing (בָּרַךְ, barak). 6. Consequences of Disobedience The psalm warns of the consequences of disobedience and the people's refusal to listen to God. "But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me" (Psalm 81:11). This theme highlights the Hebrew understanding of rebellion (מָרָה, marah) and its consequences. 7. God's Longing for Repentance and Restoration Despite the people's disobedience, God longs for their repentance and restoration. "Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways!" (Psalm 81:13). The theme reflects God's enduring mercy and desire for reconciliation, rooted in the Hebrew concept of repentance (שׁוּב, shuv). Prayer Points Praise God for His Strength Thank God for being your strength and deliverer, and praise Him with joy. Seek God's Guidance Pray for a heart that listens to God's voice and seeks His guidance in all areas of life. Repent of Idolatry Confess any idols in your life and ask God to help you remove them. Commit to Obedience Ask God for the strength and willingness to obey His commands and trust in His promises. Pray for Others Intercede for others who may be struggling to hear and obey God's voice, asking for their hearts to be open to Him. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Psalm 81:4–5, how can we verify historically or archaeologically that Joseph held influence in Egypt and that a new language was heard? 2. In Psalm 81:6–7, why is there no corroborating evidence for God removing Israel’s burden and testing them at Meribah outside the biblical text? 3. In Psalm 81:3, is there any non-biblical confirmation of the trumpet-blowing festival at the new moon and its widespread observance? 4. In Psalm 81:13–14, how can we reconcile God’s promise to subdue Israel’s enemies with historical records of Israel’s defeats? 5. In Psalm 81:16, does the claim of satisfying Israel with “honey from the rock” suggest a literal miracle, and how do we address it scientifically? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How do verses 1-5 encourage us to worship God? How can we incorporate this into our daily lives? 2. What is the significance of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt? How does this relate to the Christian concept of salvation? 3. How does the disobedience of the Israelites in verses 11-12 reflect our own tendencies to disobey God? 4. How do you see God's longing for His people's obedience reflected in this Psalm? 5. What blessings does God promise for obedience as described in verses 13-16? How have you experienced these in your life? 6. How can remembering God's acts of deliverance inspire us in challenging times? 7. The Psalmist calls the people to celebrate the Feasts of God. How can this concept be applied in the New Testament era? 8. How can Psalm 81 help us understand the importance of obedience in our relationship with God? 9. How might God be calling you to obedience in a particular area of your life? 10. If God is faithful to His promises, why do you think people often struggle to trust Him? 11. How does God's deliverance from the "bondage" of Egypt symbolize deliverance from sin and death in Christianity? 12. How can we apply the lessons of Psalm 81 to our modern context? 13. Reflect on a time when God delivered you from a difficult situation. How has this experience influenced your faith? 14. How can you encourage others in your life to obey God's commandments based on the teachings of this Psalm? 15. God calls His people to listen to Him. In today's fast-paced world, how can we make time to hear God's voice? 16. In what ways have you felt the consequences of disobedience to God's word, and how have you sought His forgiveness? 17. How does the concept of repentance tie into this Psalm? 18. Psalm 81 emphasizes the importance of music and celebration in worship. How does this change or enhance your perception of worship? 19. The Psalmist paints a picture of an abundant life with God in obedience. How can you strive for such an obedient life? 20. How can you apply the reminders of God's faithfulness in this Psalm in your everyday challenges? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions