Psalms 81:4-14

4 This is a law for Israel, a legal decision from the God of Jacob.

5 These are the instructions God set in place for Joseph when Joseph rose to power over Egypt. I heard a message I did not understand:

6 "I removed the burden from his shoulder. His hands were freed from the basket.

7 When you were in trouble, you called out [to me], and I rescued you. I was hidden in thunder, but I answered you. I tested your [loyalty] at the oasis of Meribah. Selah

8 Listen, my people, and I will warn you. Israel, if you would only listen to me!

9 Never keep any strange god among you. Never worship a foreign god.

10 I am the LORD your God, the one who brought you out of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

11 "But my people did not listen to me. Israel wanted nothing to do with me.

12 So I let them go their own stubborn ways and follow their own advice.

13 If only my people would listen to me! If only Israel would follow me!

14 I would quickly defeat their enemies. I would turn my power against their foes.

Psalms 81:4-14 Meaning and Commentary

To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A [Psalm] of Asaph. Of "gittith," See Gill on "Ps 8:1." The Targum renders it, "upon the harp which came from Gath;" and so Jarchi says it was a musical instrument that came from Gath. The Septuagint, and the versions which follow that, render it, "for the winepresses." This psalm, according to Kimchi, is said concerning the going out of the children of Israel from Egypt; and was composed in order to be sung at their new moons and solemn feasts, which were typical of Gospel things in Gospel times; see Colossians 2:16 and so the Syriac version, "a psalm of Asaph, when David by him prepared himself for the solemnities."