Psalms 81:13

81:13 If only my people would obey me! ¹ 

If only Israel would keep my commands! ² 

Psalms 115:7

115:7 hands, but cannot touch,

feet, but cannot walk.

They cannot even clear their throats. ³ 

[81:13]  ¹ tn Heb “if only my people were listening to me.” The Hebrew particle לוּ (lu, “if not”) introduces a purely hypothetical or contrary to fact condition (see 2 Sam 18:12).

[81:13]  ² tn Heb “[and if only] Israel would walk in my ways.”

[115:7]  ³ tn Heb “they cannot mutter in their throats.” Verse 5a refers to speaking, v. 7c to inarticulate sounds made in the throat (see M. Dahood, Psalms [AB], 3:140-41).