Psalm 81:8

EXPOSITION

Verse 8. Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee. What? Are the people so insensible as to be deaf to their God? So it would seem, for he earnestly asks a hearing. Are we not also at times quite as careless and immovable?

O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me. There is much in this "if." How low have they fallen who will not hearken unto God himself! The deaf adder is not more grovelling. We are not fond of being upbraided, we had rather avoid sharp and cutting truths; and, though the Lord himself rebuke us, we fly from his gentle reproofs.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

None.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 8-10.

1. A compassionate Father, calling to his child: O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me.
2. A jealous sovereign, laying down his law: There shall no strange god be in thee.
3. An all sufficient Friend, challenging confidence: I am the Lord thy God: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Richard Cecil. 1748-1810.

Verse 8,11,13. The command, the disobedience, the regret.