Psalms 81
Summary for Ps 81:1-16: Ps 81 a This warning message invites Israel to worship only the Lord and to enjoy the fullness of his blessing.Summary for Ps 81:1-3: 81:1-3 b As a prelude to the message of warning, the psalmist invites Israel to contemplate their God in song and dance.
81:2 c An Israelite tambourine was a hand drum—a round frame covered with a skin, used as a percussion instrument during festivities, often to accompany dancing (68:25 d; 149:3 e; 150:4 f).
• The sweet lyre and the harp, both stringed instruments, are the instruments most frequently mentioned in the psalms (e.g., 33:2 g; 57:8 h; 71:22 i; 150:3 j).
81:3 k The ram’s horn mustered armies and announced special holy days (47:5 l; 98:6 m).
• new moon: The first day of the lunar month marked a festival.
Summary for Ps 81:4-5: 81:4-5 n The festival, a time to celebrate and listen to the Lord, took place at God’s appointed time.
81:5 o for Israel: Literally for Joseph. The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (the sons of Joseph) are used here to refer to the entire nation of Israel.
Summary for Ps 81:6-7: 81:6-7 p The Lord heard Israel’s cry in Egypt and rescued them from oppressive slavery.
Summary for Ps 81:8-10: 81:8-10 q God pleads with his people to remember the covenant and the Ten Commandments.
81:10 r God emphasizes that he and no one else rescued Israel.
• The nation should open its mouth wide to take in God’s word (cp. Deut 8:3 s; Ezek 3:1 t).
Summary for Ps 81:11-16: 81:11-16 u The Lord helps Israel to understand that their failure was not because of his weakness.
Summary for Ps 81:13-14: 81:13-14 v God wants to give his children his goodness, but only if they listen (Isa 1:18-19 w; 28:12 x; 48:18-19 y; see Deut 6:3 z).
• God promises to subdue the enemies (Deut 9:3 aa) of those who walk the paths of obedience and loyalty. He will also richly feed his people (Isa 1:19 ab).
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