Psalm 81

This Psalm was probably used in Passover readings. It calls for celebration – loud, strong, happy music, reminding the people of God’s goodness and beneficence. It celebrates real events – deliverance from brick-making in Egypt, healing of bitter water in the wilderness with one major command. Israel was to have no other god than Jehovah. But amazingly, they did not listen.

The writer then speaks in first person as though God were speaking, “O that my people had harkened unto me...” v13. Then God reiterates what He had intended for them in blessing that they had missed. There are many lessons we could learn, but what is sure is that we will not enjoy God’s best unless we seek to obey Him. And He will give us the grace to make that possible.