Psalm 81 Study Notes

81:9 The phrase there must not be a strange god recalls the first of the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:3-4; Dt 5:7-8). The current plight of the Lord’s people resulted from idolatrous practices. God’s resolution of Israel’s situation presupposed their obedience.

81:10 A formulaic expression I am the Lord your God (Ex 6:6-8; Dt 20:1; Jdg 6:13) recollects the revelation of God to Moses (Ex 3:14). Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it describes the Lord’s faithful provision.

81:11-12 Israel refused to listen to the Lord, as shown by her failure to respond. Did not obey expresses an unwillingness to yield to the leadership of the Lord. Therefore, as a result of their covenant disobedience, the Lord relinquished his people to their stubborn hearts (Dt 29:18; Jr 3:17; 7:24; 23:17). Israel demonstrated her arrogance by taking pride in her own reasoning faculties and ignoring the counsel of God.

81:13-14 God longs for his people’s obedience and the opportunity to deliver them.

81:15 Those who hate the Lord include any individual or nation who refused to hear him and to follow his covenant stipulations.

81:16 Two phrases, the best wheat and honey from the rock, allude to Dt 32:13-14. In Dt 32, Moses recounted the history of the Lord’s relationship with Israel, noting Israel’s frequent rebellion against him. When the Lord first established his people in Canaan, the nation enjoyed prosperity and peace. The people eventually became too comfortable in God’s providence and failed to keep God’s law. The passage from Deuteronomy provides the interpretive model for this psalm.