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 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Sing Aloud to God Our Strength
1To him that excelleth upon Gittith. A Psalme committed to Asaph. Sing ioyfully vnto God our strength: sing loude vnto the God of Iaakob. 2Take the song and bring forth the timbrel, the pleasant harpe with the viole. 3Blowe the trumpet in the newe moone, euen in the time appointed, at our feast day. 4For this is a statute for Israel, and a Law of the God of Iaakob. 5Hee set this in Ioseph for a testimonie, when hee came out of the land of Egypt, where I heard a language, that I vnderstoode not. 6I haue withdrawen his shoulder from the burden, and his handes haue left the pots. 7Thou calledst in affliction and I deliuered thee, and answered thee in the secret of the thunder: I prooued thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah. 8Heare, O my people, and I wil protest vnto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken vnto me, 9Let there bee no strange god in thee, neither worship thou any strange god. 10For I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide and I will fill it. 11But my people would not heare my voyce, and Israel would none of me. 12So I gaue them vp vnto the hardnesse of their heart, and they haue walked in their owne cousels. 13Oh that my people had hearkened vnto me, and Israel had walked in my wayes. 14I would soone haue humbled their enemies, and turned mine hand against their aduersaries. 15The haters of the Lord should haue bene subiect vnto him, and their time should haue endured for euer. 16And God would haue fedde them with the fatte of wheat, and with honie out of the rocke would I haue sufficed thee.