Psalm 81

This psalm is a joyful celebration of God's delivering His people. The Israelites probably sang it at the Feast of Tabernacles since it is a review of God's faithfulness and focuses on the wilderness wanderings especially.¹⁴⁶The Feast of Tabernacles reminded the Israelites of this period in their history.

 1. A call to the celebration 81:1-5

81:1-2 Asaph summoned the Israelites to sing joyfully to God their strength with musical accompaniment.

81:3-5 He called on them to participate in a festival. The Israelites blew trumpets and offered sacrifices at the beginning of each new month, and each month began with the new moon (Num. 10:10; 28:11-15). The Feast of Tabernacles was a joyous occasion that began on the fifteenth day of the seventh month (September-October) when the moon was full (Lev. 23:33). God required the Israelites to observe these occasions. He began to specify these national festivals when He gave the Israelites instructions concerning the Passover (Exod. 12). This instruction was completely new to the nation as though it was a voice they had never heard before.

 2. A report of God's communication 81:6-16

81:6-7 God had told His people that He was freeing them from their bondage as slaves in Egypt. They had cried out to Him in their distress and He answered them from heaven.

"To judge by this model, it is good to recall God's answers with some sharpness of detail."¹⁴⁷

Then He tested them at the waters of Meribah to see if they would trust Him (Exod. 17:7).

81:8-10 These verses summarize God's revelation to Israel at Mt. Sinai where He gave them the Mosaic Law.

81:11-12 Israel had not kept God's law, however. Consequently He let His people go their own way.

81:13-16 Asaph continued to relate God's account of Israel's history since the Exodus. If only His people would obey Him He would subdue their enemies and adversaries. He would also bless them abundantly with prosperity (cf. Deut. 32:13-14). The last verse addresses Israel in the second person and constituted a call to the present generation of readers to follow God faithfully.

It is important to review God's past grace periodically and regularly because His faithfulness will challenge His people to remain faithful to Him.