Psalms 81
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Psalms 81
Sing Aloud Unto God Our Strength
1Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 81
Psa 81:1-16. Gittith--(See on Psa 8:1, title). A festal Psalm, probably for the passover (compare Mt 26:30), in which, after an exhortation to praise God, He is introduced, reminding Israel of their obligations, chiding their neglect, and depicting the happy results of obedience.
1. our strength--(Psa 38:7).
PSALM 81
Psa 81:1-16. Gittith--(See on Psa 8:1, title). A festal Psalm, probably for the passover (compare Mt 26:30), in which, after an exhortation to praise God, He is introduced, reminding Israel of their obligations, chiding their neglect, and depicting the happy results of obedience.
1. our strength--(Psa 38:7).
The Pulpit Commentary
Sing aloud unto God our Strength. "Loud" singing is regarded as indicative of earnestness and sincerity (see 2Ch_20:19; Neh_12:42; Psa_33:3; Psa_98:4, etc.). (On God as Israel's "Strength," see Psa_27:1; Psa_28:8; Psa_46:1; Psa_111:7.) Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. The word translated "make a joyful noise" is especially used of the blare of trumpets (Le 23:24; Num_29:1).
Sing aloud unto God our Strength. "Loud" singing is regarded as indicative of earnestness and sincerity (see 2Ch_20:19; Neh_12:42; Psa_33:3; Psa_98:4, etc.). (On God as Israel's "Strength," see Psa_27:1; Psa_28:8; Psa_46:1; Psa_111:7.) Make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. The word translated "make a joyful noise" is especially used of the blare of trumpets (Le 23:24; Num_29:1).
2Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2. unites the most joyful kinds of music, vocal and instrumental.
2. unites the most joyful kinds of music, vocal and instrumental.
The Pulpit Commentary
Take a psalm; or, lift up a song. And bring hither the timbrel; rather, strike the timbrel. The pleasant harp with the psaltery. The instruments ordinarily used in the service of the sanctuary were harps, psalteries, and cymbals (1Ch_15:16; 1Ch_16:5; 1Ch_25:6; 2Ch_5:12; 2Ch_24:25; Neh_12:27). Here the timbrel (תֹף) seems to take the place of the cymbal.
Take a psalm; or, lift up a song. And bring hither the timbrel; rather, strike the timbrel. The pleasant harp with the psaltery. The instruments ordinarily used in the service of the sanctuary were harps, psalteries, and cymbals (1Ch_15:16; 1Ch_16:5; 1Ch_25:6; 2Ch_5:12; 2Ch_24:25; Neh_12:27). Here the timbrel (תֹף) seems to take the place of the cymbal.
3Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
3. the new moon--or the month.
the time appointed--(Compare Pr 7:20).
3. the new moon--or the month.
the time appointed--(Compare Pr 7:20).
The Pulpit Commentary
Blow up the trumpet in the new moon. There was a Mowing of trumpets at the beginning of every month (Num_10:10), in connection with the appointed sacrifices (Leviticus 28:11-15); so that the month intended cannot, so far, i.e. fixed. As, however, the chief blowing of trumpets was on the first day of the seventh month (Le 23:24), most commentators regard the psalm as composed for this occasion. There are some, however, as Hengstenberg, Professor Cheyne, and Professor Alexander, who consider it to be a Passover psalm. In the time appointed; rather, at the full moon; i.e. on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when the Feast of Tabernacles was opened (see Num_29:12). Trumpets were probably blown then also. On our solemn feast day. The Feast of Tabernacles is called κατ ἐξοχὴν, "the feast," in many passages of the Old Testament.
Blow up the trumpet in the new moon. There was a Mowing of trumpets at the beginning of every month (Num_10:10), in connection with the appointed sacrifices (Leviticus 28:11-15); so that the month intended cannot, so far, i.e. fixed. As, however, the chief blowing of trumpets was on the first day of the seventh month (Le 23:24), most commentators regard the psalm as composed for this occasion. There are some, however, as Hengstenberg, Professor Cheyne, and Professor Alexander, who consider it to be a Passover psalm. In the time appointed; rather, at the full moon; i.e. on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when the Feast of Tabernacles was opened (see Num_29:12). Trumpets were probably blown then also. On our solemn feast day. The Feast of Tabernacles is called κατ ἐξοχὴν, "the feast," in many passages of the Old Testament.
4For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.
The Pulpit Commentary
For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob; rather, this is a law (Kay, Cheyne, Revised Version). See the passages quoted in the preceding note.
For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob; rather, this is a law (Kay, Cheyne, Revised Version). See the passages quoted in the preceding note.
5This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. a testimony--The feasts, especially the passover, attested God's relation to His people.
Joseph--for Israel (Psa 80:1).
went out through--or, "over," that is, Israel in the exodus.
I heard--change of person. The writer speaks for the nation.
language--literally, "lip" (Psa 14:1). An aggravation or element of their distress that their oppressors were foreigners (De 28:49).
5. a testimony--The feasts, especially the passover, attested God's relation to His people.
Joseph--for Israel (Psa 80:1).
went out through--or, "over," that is, Israel in the exodus.
I heard--change of person. The writer speaks for the nation.
language--literally, "lip" (Psa 14:1). An aggravation or element of their distress that their oppressors were foreigners (De 28:49).
The Pulpit Commentary
This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony. The special mention of "Joseph" here is strange. Professor Cheyne explains, "God appointed the Law to be valid in northern as well as southern Israel." Hengstenberg and Professor Alexander account for the expression by the pre-eminence of Joseph during the sojourn in Egypt. When he went out through the land of Egypt. When he (Joseph) went out over (or, across) the land," i.e. at the time of the Exodus. Where I heard a language that I understood not. It can scarcely be supposed that this clause belongs properly to Psa_81:5. It is rather an introduction to the monody wherewith the psalm (as it has come down to us) concludes—the mournful complaint of God against his people. So Professor Cheyne, who translates, "The discourse of no whom I had not known (i.e. of God) did I hear."
This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony. The special mention of "Joseph" here is strange. Professor Cheyne explains, "God appointed the Law to be valid in northern as well as southern Israel." Hengstenberg and Professor Alexander account for the expression by the pre-eminence of Joseph during the sojourn in Egypt. When he went out through the land of Egypt. When he (Joseph) went out over (or, across) the land," i.e. at the time of the Exodus. Where I heard a language that I understood not. It can scarcely be supposed that this clause belongs properly to Psa_81:5. It is rather an introduction to the monody wherewith the psalm (as it has come down to us) concludes—the mournful complaint of God against his people. So Professor Cheyne, who translates, "The discourse of no whom I had not known (i.e. of God) did I hear."
6I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. God's language alludes to the burdensome slavery of the Israelites.
6. God's language alludes to the burdensome slavery of the Israelites.
The Pulpit Commentary
The "discourse" is now given. It commences somewhat abruptly, and is, perhaps, itself a fragment, the beginning of which is lost. God reminds Israel of his past favours (Psa_81:6, Psa_81:7), exhorts them to faithfulness (Psa_81:8, Psa_81:9), promises them blessings (Psa_81:10), complains of their waywardness (Psa_81:11, Psa_81:12), and finally makes a last appeal to them to turn to him, and recover his protection, before it is too late (Psa_81:13-16).
I removed his shoulder from the burden. In Egypt, burdens were borne upon the shoulder, either simply held upon it with both hands, or distributed between the two shoulders by means of a yoke. His hands were delivered from the pots; rather, from the basket; i.e. the basket in which the clay was carried before it was made into bricks.
The "discourse" is now given. It commences somewhat abruptly, and is, perhaps, itself a fragment, the beginning of which is lost. God reminds Israel of his past favours (Psa_81:6, Psa_81:7), exhorts them to faithfulness (Psa_81:8, Psa_81:9), promises them blessings (Psa_81:10), complains of their waywardness (Psa_81:11, Psa_81:12), and finally makes a last appeal to them to turn to him, and recover his protection, before it is too late (Psa_81:13-16).
I removed his shoulder from the burden. In Egypt, burdens were borne upon the shoulder, either simply held upon it with both hands, or distributed between the two shoulders by means of a yoke. His hands were delivered from the pots; rather, from the basket; i.e. the basket in which the clay was carried before it was made into bricks.
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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
7. secret place--the cloud from which He troubled the Egyptians (Ex 14:24).
proved thee--(Psa 7:10; 17:3)--tested their faith by the miracle.
7. secret place--the cloud from which He troubled the Egyptians (Ex 14:24).
proved thee--(Psa 7:10; 17:3)--tested their faith by the miracle.
The Pulpit Commentary
Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee (see Exo_2:23; Exo_3:7; Exo_14:10, etc.). I answered thee in the secret place of thunder. The pillar of the cloud seems to be meant. In this, and from this, God answered the cry of his people (Exo_14:24). I proved thee at the waters of Meribah (Exo_17:7). The "selah" after these words marks a pause, during which the people addressed might reflect on the manifold mercies which God had vouchsafed to them in Egypt, in the wilderness, and elsewhere.
Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee (see Exo_2:23; Exo_3:7; Exo_14:10, etc.). I answered thee in the secret place of thunder. The pillar of the cloud seems to be meant. In this, and from this, God answered the cry of his people (Exo_14:24). I proved thee at the waters of Meribah (Exo_17:7). The "selah" after these words marks a pause, during which the people addressed might reflect on the manifold mercies which God had vouchsafed to them in Egypt, in the wilderness, and elsewhere.
8Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. (Compare Psa 50:7). The reproof follows to Psa 81:12.
if thou wilt hearken--He then propounds the terms of His covenant: they should worship Him alone, who (Psa 81:10) had delivered them, and would still confer all needed blessings.
8. (Compare Psa 50:7). The reproof follows to Psa 81:12.
if thou wilt hearken--He then propounds the terms of His covenant: they should worship Him alone, who (Psa 81:10) had delivered them, and would still confer all needed blessings.
The Pulpit Commentary
Hear, O my people (comp. Psa_81:11, Psa_81:13). Israel is still "God's people," however rebellious (Psa_81:11, Psa_81:12). God has not yet given them up. And I will testify unto thee; or, "protest unto thee" (Kay, Cheyne). O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me; or, "if thou wouldst but hearken unto me!"
Hear, O my people (comp. Psa_81:11, Psa_81:13). Israel is still "God's people," however rebellious (Psa_81:11, Psa_81:12). God has not yet given them up. And I will testify unto thee; or, "protest unto thee" (Kay, Cheyne). O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me; or, "if thou wouldst but hearken unto me!"
9There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.
The Pulpit Commentary
There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god (comp; Exo_20:3; Deu_5:7). Such worship had evidently begun, and required to be forbidden afresh.
There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god (comp; Exo_20:3; Deu_5:7). Such worship had evidently begun, and required to be forbidden afresh.
10I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
The Pulpit Commentary
I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt. The reminder was continually needed (see Exo_20:2; Le Exo_26:13; Deu_5:6; Hos_12:9; Hos_13:4). Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. God's gifts, both temporal and spiritual, are proportioned to our eager longing for them. As Christ could not do his miracles in one place because of their unbelief, so God cannot give lavishly unless we desire largely.
I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt. The reminder was continually needed (see Exo_20:2; Le Exo_26:13; Deu_5:6; Hos_12:9; Hos_13:4). Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. God's gifts, both temporal and spiritual, are proportioned to our eager longing for them. As Christ could not do his miracles in one place because of their unbelief, so God cannot give lavishly unless we desire largely.
11But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11-12. They failed, and He gave them up to their own desires and hardness of heart (De 29:18; Pr 1:30; Ro 11:25).
11-12. They failed, and He gave them up to their own desires and hardness of heart (De 29:18; Pr 1:30; Ro 11:25).
The Pulpit Commentary
But my people would not hearken to my voice (comp. Psa_78:10, Psa_78:41, Psa_78:56; 2Ki_17:14; 2Ch_36:15, 2Ch_36:16). And Israel would none of me; literally, would not obey me (see the Prayer book Version).
But my people would not hearken to my voice (comp. Psa_78:10, Psa_78:41, Psa_78:56; 2Ki_17:14; 2Ch_36:15, 2Ch_36:16). And Israel would none of me; literally, would not obey me (see the Prayer book Version).
12So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
The Pulpit Commentary
So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust. God's Spirit will not always strive with men (Gen_6:3). After a time, if they persist in evil courses and disobedience to his commands, he "gives them up," withdraws from them, leaves them to themselves, to the "lust," or rather "stubbornness" of their own hearts—to their own perverse wills and imaginations. And they walked in their own counsels (comp. Jer_7:24). This result is inevitable. If God no longer guides their thoughts and enlightens their understandings, they can but follow their own foolish counsels, and the result cannot but be disastrous.
So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust. God's Spirit will not always strive with men (Gen_6:3). After a time, if they persist in evil courses and disobedience to his commands, he "gives them up," withdraws from them, leaves them to themselves, to the "lust," or rather "stubbornness" of their own hearts—to their own perverse wills and imaginations. And they walked in their own counsels (comp. Jer_7:24). This result is inevitable. If God no longer guides their thoughts and enlightens their understandings, they can but follow their own foolish counsels, and the result cannot but be disastrous.
13Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
13-16. Obedience would have secured all promised blessings and the subjection of foes. In this passage, "should have," "would have," &c., are better, "should" and "would" expressing God's intention at the time, that is, when they left Egypt.
13-16. Obedience would have secured all promised blessings and the subjection of foes. In this passage, "should have," "would have," &c., are better, "should" and "would" expressing God's intention at the time, that is, when they left Egypt.
The Pulpit Commentary
Oh that my people had hearkened unto me! rather, would hearken unto me!. And Israel had walked in my ways! rather would walk!
Oh that my people had hearkened unto me! rather, would hearken unto me!. And Israel had walked in my ways! rather would walk!
14I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.
The Pulpit Commentary
I should soon have subdued (rather, I should won subdue) their enemies. Israel is still surrounded by enemies, anxious for his destruction. God could subdue them and sweep them away in a moment, if he pleased; and would do so, if Israel would repent and return to him. The appeal is to the living Israel—the Israel of the psalmist's time, which is given one more chance of triumph over its enemies. And turned my hand against their adversaries. Logically, the two clauses should have been inverted, since the subjugation of Israel's enemies would be the effect of God's hand being turned against them.
I should soon have subdued (rather, I should won subdue) their enemies. Israel is still surrounded by enemies, anxious for his destruction. God could subdue them and sweep them away in a moment, if he pleased; and would do so, if Israel would repent and return to him. The appeal is to the living Israel—the Israel of the psalmist's time, which is given one more chance of triumph over its enemies. And turned my hand against their adversaries. Logically, the two clauses should have been inverted, since the subjugation of Israel's enemies would be the effect of God's hand being turned against them.
15The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.
The Pulpit Commentary
The haters of the Lord. Israel's enemies are always spoken of as God's enemies also (comp. Psa_3:2, Psa_3:7; Psa_9:3; Psa_68:1; Psa_79:6, Psa_79:7, etc.). They "hate" Jehovah (Psa_21:8; Psa_83:2), not merely as Israel's Protecter, but as the Source of all good, whereas they delight in evil. Should have submitted themselves unto him; rather, should submit themselves, or "should yield feigned obedience". But their time (i.e. Israel's time) should have endured forever; rather, should endure.
The haters of the Lord. Israel's enemies are always spoken of as God's enemies also (comp. Psa_3:2, Psa_3:7; Psa_9:3; Psa_68:1; Psa_79:6, Psa_79:7, etc.). They "hate" Jehovah (Psa_21:8; Psa_83:2), not merely as Israel's Protecter, but as the Source of all good, whereas they delight in evil. Should have submitted themselves unto him; rather, should submit themselves, or "should yield feigned obedience". But their time (i.e. Israel's time) should have endured forever; rather, should endure.
16He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.
The Pulpit Commentary
He should have fed them also; rather, he should feed. With the finest of the wheat; literally, with the fat of the wheat (comp. Deu_32:14 and Psa_147:14). And with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee; rather, would I satisfy thee. The expression, "honey out of the rock," is taken from Deu_32:13. It evidently means "honey of the best"—native honey, stored by the bees in clefts of the rocks. Of course, both the "wheat" and the "honey" are metaphors, which we are to regard as shadowing forth all temporal and spiritual blessings.
He should have fed them also; rather, he should feed. With the finest of the wheat; literally, with the fat of the wheat (comp. Deu_32:14 and Psa_147:14). And with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee; rather, would I satisfy thee. The expression, "honey out of the rock," is taken from Deu_32:13. It evidently means "honey of the best"—native honey, stored by the bees in clefts of the rocks. Of course, both the "wheat" and the "honey" are metaphors, which we are to regard as shadowing forth all temporal and spiritual blessings.
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 81
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