Psalms 81
Psalms 81 is part of “Book III: The Leviticus Book” (73–89) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 81 summary
This psalm was penned, as is supposed, not upon occasion of any particular providence, but for the solemnity of a particular ordinance, either that of the new-moon in general or that of the feast of trumpets on the new moon of the seventh month, Lev 23:24; Num 29:1. When David, by the Spirit, introduced the singing of psalms into the temple-service this psalm was intended for that day, to excite and assist the proper devotions of it. All the psalms are profitable; but, if one psalm be more suitable than another to the day and observances of it, we should choose that. The two great intentions of our religious assemblies, and which we ought to…
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This psalm was penned, as is supposed, not upon occasion of any particular providence, but for the solemnity of a particular ordinance, either that of the new-moon in general or that of the feast of trumpets on the new moon of the seventh month, Lev 23:24; Num 29:1. When David, by the Spirit, introduced the singing of psalms into the temple-service this psalm was intended for that day, to excite and assist the proper devotions of it. All the psalms are profitable; but, if one psalm be more suitable than another to the day and observances of it, we should choose that. The two great intentions of our religious assemblies, and which we ought to have in our eye in our attendance on them, are answered in this psalm, which are, to give glory to God and to receive instruction from God, to "behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in his temple;" accordingly by this psalm we are assisted on our solemn feast days, I. In praising God for what he is to his people (Psa 81:1-3), and has done for them (Psa 81:4-7). II. In teaching and admonishing one another concerning the obligations we lie under to God (Psa 81:8-10), the danger of revolting from him (Psa 81:11, Psa 81:12), and the happiness we should have if we would but keep close to him (Psa 81:13-16). This, though spoken primarily of Israel of old, is written for our learning, and is therefore to be sung with application. To the chief musician upon Gittith. A psalm of Asaph.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 81 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Sing Aloud to God Our Strength
1For the Chief Musician; set to the Gittith. [A Psalm] of Asaph. Sing aloud unto God our strength: Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. 2Raise a song, and bring hither the timbrel, The pleasant harp with the psaltery. 3Blow the trumpet at the new moon, At the full moon, on our feast-day. 4For it is a statute for Israel, An ordinance of the God of Jacob. 5He appointed it in Joseph for a testimony, When he went out over the land of Egypt, [Where] I heard a language that I knew not. 6I removed his shoulder from the burden: His hands were freed from the basket. 7Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder; I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. [Selah 8Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wouldest hearken unto me! 9There shall no strange god be in thee; Neither shalt thou worship any foreign god. 10I am Jehovah thy God, Who brought thee up out of the land of Egypt: Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. 11But my people hearkened not to my voice; And Israel would none of me. 12So I let them go after the stubbornness of their heart, That they might walk in their own counsels. 13Oh that my people would hearken unto me, That Israel would walk in my ways! 14I would soon subdue their enemies, And turn my hand against their adversaries. 15The haters of Jehovah should submit themselves unto him: But their time should endure for ever. 16He would feed them also with the finest of the wheat; And with honey out of the rock would I satisfy thee.