Psalm 81 is a rich and evocative chapter in the Book of Psalms, often attributed to Asaph, a prominent Levite singer and seer during the time of King David. This psalm is a call to worship and a reminder of God’s deliverance, provision, and commandments.

Structure and Content

Psalm 81 can be divided into three main sections:

1.Call to Worship (Verses 1-5):
The psalm begins with an exuberant call to worship, inviting the congregation to sing, shout for joy, and play musical instruments in celebration of God’s goodness. This section emphasizes the communal aspect of worship and the importance of remembering God’s acts of salvation. The specific reference to the New Moon and the Full Moon suggests that this psalm may have been used in the context of festival celebrations, particularly those outlined in the Torah.
•Verses 1-3: “Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre. Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and when the moon is full, on the day of our festival.”
•Verses 4-5: These verses highlight that this practice is a decree for Israel and an ordinance of the God of Jacob. It reminds the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt, a theme that resonates throughout the psalm.
2.God’s Voice and Remembrance (Verses 6-10):
In this section, the psalm transitions to God’s voice, reminding Israel of His past deeds, especially the liberation from Egypt. God recounts how He relieved the burdens of Israel and responded to their cries for help. This passage serves as both a reminder of God’s faithfulness and a call for Israel to listen and obey.
•Verses 6-7: God speaks of removing the burden from the shoulders of Israel and freeing their hands from the basket. When they called out in distress, God rescued them and tested them at the waters of Meribah.
•Verses 8-10: These verses are a direct address from God, imploring Israel to listen and not to worship foreign gods. He reaffirms His identity as the Lord their God who brought them out of Egypt and urges them to open their mouths wide so He can fill them, symbolizing His readiness to provide abundantly for their needs.
3.Admonition and Promise (Verses 11-16):
The final section of Psalm 81 contains both a lament from God regarding Israel’s disobedience and a promise of blessings if they return to Him. God expresses sorrow over Israel’s refusal to listen and their tendency to follow their own counsel. Nevertheless, He holds out a promise of deliverance and prosperity if they repent and obey His commands.
•Verses 11-12: God’s lament that His people did not listen to His voice and how He gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.
•Verses 13-16: A poignant plea for Israel to return to God, promising that if they do, He will subdue their enemies and turn His hand against their foes. The final verse promises the finest of wheat and honey from the rock, symbolizing the abundant blessings and provision God is willing to bestow upon a faithful Israel.

Themes and Messages

1.Worship and Remembrance:
The psalm underscores the importance of worship and remembrance of God’s past deeds as foundational to the faith community. Through worship, the Israelites recall their identity and covenant relationship with God.
2.Divine Provision and Deliverance:
The recounting of the exodus from Egypt serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ability to save and provide for His people, encouraging trust and obedience.
3.Obedience and Consequences:
The psalm clearly articulates the blessings associated with obedience and the consequences of disobedience. God’s lament over Israel’s stubbornness highlights the pain of their rebellion but also His enduring desire for their return.
4.God’s Abundant Blessings:
The promises of provision, protection, and abundance underscore God’s generosity and readiness to bless His people if they remain faithful.

Psalm 81 thus serves as a profound reminder of the relationship between worship, obedience, and divine blessing, calling the faithful to remember God’s past acts, listen to His commands, and trust in His provision.