Psalm 81
A Psalm of Asaph Calling Israel to Remember God’s Provision in Their Wilderness Wanderings
The author Asaph was the great singer and musician of David and Solomon’s era (1 Chronicles 15:17-19, 16:5-7; 2 Chronicles 29:13). 1 Chronicles 25:1 and 2 Chronicles 29:30 add that Asaph was a prophet in his musical compositions. - David Guzik
Asaph was one of David's chief musicians (1 Chronicles 6:39; 15:17,19; 16:5,7; 2 Chronicles 5:12). He was also the ancestor of a group of temple musicians (Ezekiel 2:40-41). The name might have come to represent his descendants or the musicians who followed him rather than Asaph himself. - Kevin R. Warstler and Sheri L. Klouda
In this psalm, Asaph’s lyrics led the people to make music together in remembrance of God’s protection and provision, especially during the wilderness wanderings. YHWH desired to meet all the needs of His people but was grieved at their reliance on other gods.
This psalm is a joyful celebration of God’s deliverance of His people. The Israelites probably sang it at the Feast of Tabernacles, since it is a review of God’s faithfulness and focuses especially on the wilderness wanderings. [Note: A. Ross, p. 853.] The Feast of Tabernacles reminded the Israelites of this period in their history. - Thomas Constable
Sing for Joy to God
Vs. 1 - Sing for joy to God our strength; shout in triumph to the God of Jacob.
Vs. 3 - Blow the ram’s horn on the day of our feasts
The song opens with a reminder of God’s command to keep this joyous festival in remembrance of his goodness in saving his people from Egypt. - Don Fleming
Most commentators believe this psalm was composed to celebrate the Festival of Booths (Tabernacles or Shelters) during which Israel lived in tent-like shelters to commemorate God’s guidance during their wilderness wanderings.
Leviticus 23:33-34, 42-43 - The Lord spoke to Moses: Tell the Israelites: The Festival of Shelters to the Lord begins on the fifteenth day of this seventh month and continues for seven days.
You are to live in shelters for seven days. All the native-born of Israel must live in shelters, so that your generations may know that I made the Israelites live in shelters when I brought them out of the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.
I Am The Lord Your God
I Rescued You
Vs. 7 - You called out in distress, and I rescued you;
Asaph called the people to celebrate with music in remembrance of God’s provision and protection for Israel on their way from Egypt to Canaan. He had chosen them from obscurity, rescued them from slavery, taught them in the wilderness, and guided them to a promised land.
Vs. 7 - I answered you from the thundercloud. I tested you at the Waters of Meribah.
Vs. 10 - I am the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.
The “thundercloud” likely referred to God’s meeting with Moses on Mt. Sinai. And the reference to the “waters of Meribah” recalled God’s provision of water in the desert (Exodus 17).
This generation of Israel was far removed from these events, but Asaph’s lyrics called them to remember the greatness and goodness of YHWH. Since God Himself had guided Israel to Canaan and had kept His promise to prosper His obedient people, He alone should be worshipped and celebrated.
Open Your Mouth
Vs. 10 - Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
God’s desire to satisfy the desires of His people is a prominent theme in this song.
The Lord reminds His people that, in history, He has been the Deliverer and now promises that, when we open our mouths in prayer, He will hear us and meet our needs. He is the God who preserves and provides for the needs of His own. - W. Robert Godfrey
There Must Not Be Strange gods
Vs. 8-9 - Listen, my people, and I will admonish you. Israel, if you would only listen to me! There must not be a strange god among you; you must not bow down to a foreign god.
Asaph’s lyrics referenced God’s words to Israel from Mt. Sinai. The God of Israel had chosen and delivered them, and He would not share the credit for their salvation. He alone could save and satisfy.
Exodus 20:1-3 - Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Do not have other gods besides me.
If Only My People Would Listen
Vs. 11 - But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel did not obey me.
God was ready to fill the faith-filled open mouths of His people, but they would not obey Him. God said in sorrow, “Israel would have none of Me.” Rebellious Israel rejected God who had done so much for them and would have done much more. - David Guzik
Vs. 12-13 - So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own plans. If only my people would listen to me.
God’s passive judgment was to permit His people’s idolatrous pursuits. They would learn in time that only He could meet their needs.
It reveals a constant method of God with His disloyal and disobedient children. When they will not go His way, He lets them go their way…. He permits them to learn by the bitter results of their own folly what He would have had them know by communion with Himself. - Morgan
I Would Satisfy You
Subdued Enemies
Vs. 14 - I would quickly subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes.
Honey from The Rock
Vs. 16 - But he would feed Israel with the best wheat. “I would satisfy you with honey from the rock.”
Some commentators compare this psalm to Jesus’ lament for Jerusalem.
Luke 13:34 - Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
God desired to defend and to bless His people. He longed to give them the “best,” but they failed to trust Him, to wait for His protection and provision.
God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. - John Piper
