Psalm 81
The setting for this psalm is the beginning of the Feast of Tabernacles, the joyous occasion upon which God's people remember their wonderful deliverance from Egypt and, specifically, of God's abundant provision for them as they lived in tents in the wilderness. The feast was for celebrating. And during it they were to "sing aloud to God our strength; make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob. Raise a song and strike the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the lute."
That's what the feast was for, but that isn't what happened on this occasion. It would have been good for Israel to look back, to see how God had led them and cared for them, and how He had delivered them from the bondage of Egypt. As he says here, "I removed his (Israel's) shoulder from the burden; his hands were freed from the baskets. You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you in the waters of Meribah."
The problem was that at the time of this psalm, rejoicing was simply not appropriate, because Israel's sins had made it necessary for God to speak very harshly to them. He had to say to them, "Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me! There shall be no foreign god among you; nor shall you worship any foreign god. I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." But He had to continue by saying, "But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart to walk in their own counsels." They HAD done exactly what He said not to do – they had gone after foreign gods. Additionally, they had trusted their own strength, and the military might of foreign nations to help them. They had even prayed to idols within the holy temple!
So now they are come to this special day of festivity, this day that should have been a time of joy, a time of dancing and music, a time of happy reflection upon God's choice of them to be His specially beloved people. Instead God has to say, "Oh that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries." It's like the sorrowing father who must say to his son, "Son, I want to help you, I want to make you happy, I want to take you in my arms and make you aware of how I love you - but you've made it impossible!"
Does God sometimes have to deal with you that way? Does He have to bring you into trouble in order to awaken you, to move you to turn to Him again? I'm afraid we all experience that.
A present-day parallel to the feast of tabernacles is the Lord's Day. It too should be a time of celebration - of being glad that God has delivered us from sin and death and brought us into His blessed kingdom. Is it that way? Is your trust in Him, or is it in the things you can do for yourself, the money you're trying to make, or the possessions you've heaped up (or would like to heap up)? These things can lead to idolatry. And they can be found in the business of everyday life. Joy can return to your life only as you "put away the foreign gods" – as you place all your trust in Him and as you make Him first in your thoughts and actions. Oh turn again – and again!
I appreciate all the writings on the Psalms that you do Al.
Thank you for saying so, Judy.
Jenny. England 11.45 p.m.
Al..... that was lovely. So meaningful for me. Thankyou.....It's bedtime now.....see you soon.
"He giveth His beloved sleep"......
6.p.m.
Pastor Al.
Another mention of this Psalm.
As you know my son has been ill and I've been to the hospital again today with him....
I do want to let you know that through all this week I have used the Psalms to encourage me and I have thought about you even though the web had problems.
At the hospital today I found myself reading Psalm 81 again and was so encouraged by the words..
"When you were in trouble, you called to me and I saved you.
From My hiding-place in the storm I answered you".......v7.
Corrie's Book "My Hiding Place" surely expresses that God does have a special place in our storms of life and is closer at such times...
Testing times as at the waters of Meribah. Unlike Moses and his people we are Victorious in Christ Jesus who giveth the Victory.
I know in my soul that all these trials will work out to the Glory of God even as I sat in the hospital reading my tiny N.T. and Psalms..G.N.V. which I take everywhere in my handbag... I suddenly felt so at peace.
This is good because I usually have panics when going in taxis. We don't possess a car and being a mobility driver of a scooter I sometimes feel very strange in cars.
The Holy Spirit has certainly upheld me and this Psalm today again has helped....
JUST WANTED TO SHARE. AND TO EDIFY..PLEASE KEEP ON WITH THE GOOD WORK PASTOR. THANK-YOU AGAIN DEAR BROTHER.
Thank you so much, Jenny, for the encouragement. I do pray God's Word will bless His people. I'll be posting two more psalms in just a few moments.