◄ Psalm 81 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Sing for Joy to God Our Strength Psalm 81 reminds us of the unmatched faithfulness of God towards His people, His longing for their obedience, and the promise of abundant blessings that come from obeying His commandments. It is a lesson that still resonates today - obedience to God leads to fulfillment and abundant life. Verses 1-5: Call to Worship These verses call the Israelites to rejoice in the Lord with song, melody, and the sound of instruments. They are reminded of the law God set in Israel, recalling His act of delivering Joseph's descendants from Egypt. Verses 6-10: God's Deliverance and Call for Obedience In these verses, the Psalmist recalls how God relieved the Israelites of their burden in Egypt and answered them in their distress. God calls His people to listen and follow His commandments, reminding them that He is the only true God who delivered them from Egypt. Verses 11-16: Israel's Disobedience and God's Promise Despite God's deliverance and commands, the Israelites did not listen nor submit to God. However, God promises that if His people would return to Him and obey, He would subdue their enemies and provide for them abundantly. 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. 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. 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. 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. Bible Study 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? 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). Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions