Psalms 81

An Appeal for Israel’s Repentance

1Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob.

2Raise a song and strike the timbrel, The pleasant harp with the lute.

3Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon, At the full moon, on our solemn feast day.

4For this is a statute for Israel, A law of the God of Jacob.

5This He established in Joseph as a testimony, When He went throughout the land of Egypt, Where I heard a language I did not understand.

6“I removed his shoulder from the burden; His hands were freed from the baskets.

7You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah

8“Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me!

9There shall be no foreign god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god.

10I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

11“But My people would not heed My voice, And Israel would have none of Me.

12So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, To walk in their own counsels.

13“Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways!

14I would soon subdue their enemies, And turn My hand against their adversaries.

15The haters of the Lord would pretend submission to Him, But their fate would endure forever.

16He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat; And with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you.”