Psalms 81:13

13 If my people had heard me; if Israel had gone in my ways. (If my people would but listen to me; if Israel would just follow my ways,)

Psalms 81:13 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 81:13

O that my people had hearkened unto me
This might have been expected from them, as they were his professing people; and it would have been to their advantage if they had hearkened to him, as well as it would have been well pleasing to him; for that is what is designed by this wish, which does not express the purposing will of God; for who hath resisted that? if he had so willed, he could have given them ears to hear; but his commanding will, and what is his approving one: to hearken to him is not only to hearken to what he commands, but to what he approves of; it is the good and acceptable will of God that men should hearken to the declarations of his will in the law, and to the declarations of his grace in the Gospel; and indeed it is the voice of Christ, the Angel of God's presence, who went before the children of Israel in the wilderness, which they were to hearken to and obey, that is here meant; see ( Exodus 23:20-22 ) , and ( Hebrews 3:6-8 ) ,

and Israel had walked in my ways;
which he marked out and directed them unto, meaning his ordinances and commandments; which to walk in, as it denotes progress and continuance, and supposes and requires life and strength, so it is both pleasant and profitable.

Psalms 81:13 In-Context

11 And my people heard not my voice; and Israel gave not attention to me. (But my people would not listen to my voice; yea, Israel would not give their attention to me.)

12 And I let go them after the desires of their heart; they shall go in their findings. (So I let them go after the desires of their hearts; and they went forth in their own ways.)

13 If my people had heard me; if Israel had gone in my ways. (If my people would but listen to me; if Israel would just follow my ways,)

14 For not in hap I had made low their enemies; and I had sent mine hand on men doing tribulation to them. (then I would bring down their enemies; and I would send forth my hand against those who give them trouble.)

15 The enemies of the Lord lied (down) to him; and their time shall be into worlds. (And then the Lord's enemies would fall down before me; and their punishment would last forever.)