Psalms 81

God answers the prayers of his people #81:1 This psalm was written to sing at a festival. It was probably the Festival of Huts. See Leviticus 23:33-43.

1Sing with joy to praise God! He is the one who makes us strong! Shout aloud to the God of Jacob.

2Start the music! Beat your tambourines! Make beautiful music on your harps and lyres.

3Start the New Moon Festival with the sound of the trumpet. Also do it on the day of the Full Moon.

4This is a rule for Israel's people. The God of Jacob commanded us to do it.

5When God punished the land of Egypt, he gave this rule to Joseph's family. I heard a voice that I did not know.

6It said: ‘I took the heavy load off your back. You no longer had to carry those heavy baskets.

7When you had trouble, you called to me for help and I made you safe. I answered your prayers from the middle of the dark storm. I tested you at Meribah, when you had no water in the wilderness. Selah.

8I said, “My people, listen to me! I warn you now. Listen carefully to me, Israel's people!

9There must not be any strange god among you. You must never worship a foreign god.

10I am the Lord, your God. I brought you out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with many good things.”

11But my people refused to listen to me. My people, Israel, did not obey me.

12So I let them follow their own proud ideas. They could do whatever they wanted to do.

13But my people should listen to me! Yes, Israel should obey my commands!

14Then I would quickly win against their enemies. I would attack them all.’

15(Then people who hate the Lord would fall down with fear in front of him. They would be ashamed for ever.)

16‘But I would feed you, my people, with the best wheat. I would give you plenty of honey from the rock, for you to eat and be full.’