Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 81

Worship and Remembrance at God’s FeastThis psalm was meant to be sung when God’s people gathered for a special feast. The psalmist reminds everyone that coming together to worship is not just a tradition, but a time to do important spiritual work. God’s people are called to praise him with joy and music, remembering all that he has done for them. The psalm also teaches that worship should be heartfelt, joyful, and done in obedience to God’s commands.v. 1-3: The psalmist encourages everyone to praise God with energy and joy. “Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery. Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day”(Psalm 81:1-3 ). God is the strength of his people, and he deserves loud, joyful praise. Musical instruments and singing are used to express this joy, especially during the special times God has set for worship.

v. 4: The psalmist reminds the people that praising God is not just a good idea—it is a command. “For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob”. God has ordered his people to praise him, so it is their duty as well as their privilege.

v. 5: The feast days are reminders of God’s great works. “This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not”. These celebrations help each generation remember how God rescued Israel from Egypt, even when they were strangers in a land with a different language (Genesis 42:23; Psalm 114:1 ).

v. 6: God himself speaks, reminding the people of his kindness. “I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots”. God freed Israel from slavery in Egypt, taking away their heavy burdens and giving them freedom.

v. 7: God also reminds them of his help in times of trouble. “You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I proved you at the waters of Meribah. Selah”. God rescued Israel at the Red Sea and spoke to them at Mount Sinai with thunder. He also tested them at Meribah, where they complained, but he still showed them mercy (Exodus 14:10, 24-25; Exodus 19:21 ; Deuteronomy 4:33 ).Just as Israel remembered their rescue from Egypt during their feasts, Christians should remember the even greater salvation Jesus has given us. Every time we gather to worship, we should praise God with joy and remember his wonderful works.

Expostulation with IsraelIn this section, God speaks directly to Israel through the psalmist. God calls his people to listen and obey, reminding them of his faithfulness and their duty. He warns them about the dangers of ignoring his voice and shows how much he wants to bless them, if only they would follow him with their whole hearts. These words are for all generations, teaching us the importance of hearing and obeying God.v. 8: God calls for serious attention from his people: “Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto you: O Israel, if you will hearken unto me”. God expects his people to listen carefully and follow his advice. He offers wisdom and guidance, but warns that their stubbornness might get in the way.

v. 9: God repeats the main commandment: “There shall no strange god be in you; neither shall you worship any strange god”. Israel is to worship only the one true God. Turning to idols is both foolish and ungrateful, especially after all God has done for them (Exodus 23:13 ).

v. 10: God reminds them of his relationship with them: “I am the Lord

v. 11: Sadly, God says, “But my people would not listen to my voice; and Israel would none of me”. Despite all God’s kindness and promises, the people refused to obey or accept his love. They turned away from their greatest friend.

v. 12: Because of their stubbornness, God let them follow their own ways: “So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels”. God allowed them to make their own choices, even when those choices led to trouble and pain. This is a sad result for those who refuse God’s guidance (Hosea 11:8-9 ).

v. 13-16: God shows his loving desire for their good: “Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. The haters of the Lord