Psalms 81

Chapter Summary

The psalm begins with a call to worship and a reminder of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, as seen in Psalms 81:1-4. It then recounts Israel's rebellion and God's subsequent judgment, as stated in Psalms 81:5-7 and Psalms 81:11-12. The chapter also expresses God's desire for His people to obey Him and to experience His blessings, as expressed in Psalms 81:8-10 and Psalms 81:13-16. The psalm concludes with a lament over Israel's disobedience and a prayer for their restoration, as seen in Psalms 81:17.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 81 is part of the third book of the Psalms, which focuses on the themes of redemption and restoration. The chapter is likely written during a time of Israel's rebellion against God, and it serves as a call to repentance and obedience. The psalm is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

Heart Application

As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of obedience and trust in God's faithfulness. We are called to open our mouths wide and trust that God will fill them, as seen in Psalms 81:10. This requires us to trust in God's provision and to obey Him, even in the face of uncertainty or difficulty.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about God's faithfulness to Israel and their rebellion against Him. It reminds us of the importance of obedience and trust in God's faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 81:10. We are called to open our mouths wide and trust that God will fill them, and to obey Him, even in the face of uncertainty or difficulty.

Voices from the Church

“The faithfulness of God is a Rock upon which we may build our hopes, and we may be sure that He will never leave us nor forsake us.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“Let us learn to obey God's voice, that we may experience His blessings and avoid His judgment.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction and Call to Worship (Psalms 81:1-5) — The chapter begins with a call to worship and a reminder of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
2. Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment (Psalms 81:6-12) — The chapter recounts Israel's rebellion and God's subsequent judgment, highlighting the consequences of disobedience.
3. God's Desire for Obedience (Psalms 81:8-10) — The chapter expresses God's desire for His people to obey Him and to experience His blessings.
4. Conclusion and Lament (Psalms 81:13-17) — The chapter concludes with a lament over Israel's disobedience and a prayer for their restoration.
5. Final Call to Obedience (Psalms 81:13-16) — The chapter ends with a final call to obedience and a reminder of God's desire for His people to walk in His ways.

Core Doctrines

The Faithfulness of God

This chapter teaches us about God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in His deliverance of Israel from Egypt and His desire for their obedience.

The Importance of Obedience

The chapter highlights the importance of obedience, as God calls His people to obey Him and to experience His blessings.

The Consequences of Disobedience

The chapter warns us of the consequences of disobedience, as seen in God's judgment on Israel for their rebellion.

The Provision of God

The chapter reminds us of God's provision and care for His people, as seen in the image of opening wide one's mouth to be filled by God.

Lessons from Psalms 81

1. The Importance of Remembering God's Works — This chapter teaches us the importance of remembering God's works and faithfulness in our lives, as seen in Psalms 81:1-4.
2. The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter warns us of the consequences of disobedience, as seen in God's judgment on Israel for their rebellion.
3. The Provision of God — The chapter reminds us of God's provision and care for His people, as seen in the image of opening wide one's mouth to be filled by God.
4. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience, as God calls His people to obey Him and to experience His blessings.
5. The Faithfulness of God — This chapter teaches us about God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in His deliverance of Israel from Egypt and His desire for their obedience.

Themes from Psalms 81

1. Redemption and Restoration — The chapter is connected to the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
2. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience, as God calls His people to obey Him and to experience His blessings.
3. The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter warns us of the consequences of disobedience, as seen in God's judgment on Israel for their rebellion.
4. The Faithfulness of God — This chapter teaches us about God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in His deliverance of Israel from Egypt and His desire for their obedience.
5. The Provision of God — The chapter reminds us of God's provision and care for His people, as seen in the image of opening wide one's mouth to be filled by God.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that God has been faithful to you in your life?
2. How can you apply the principle of obedience to your life, as seen in this chapter?
3. What are some consequences of disobedience that you have experienced or observed in your life or the lives of others?
4. How can you trust in God's provision and care for you, as seen in Psalms 81:10?
5. What are some ways that you can remember God's works and faithfulness in your life, as encouraged in this chapter?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 81

	Sermon	Description
	Revival - Part 3 by J.I. Packer	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Zechariah chapter four and verse one, which describes a vision of a solid gold lampstand with seven lights and two olive trees. The speaker e
	Our Need of Personal Revival by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself in the Christian journey, comparing it to running a marathon rather than a short sprint. He highlights the n
	(Through the Bible) Psalms 81-90 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reflecting the beauty of Jesus in our lives. He encourages the congregation to let God's beauty be seen through their acti
	Times Up! by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of time running out and the impending judgment of God. He uses the analogy of a time limit during exams to illustrate the idea tha
	K-469 Israel - a Prophetic Glimpse by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to rely on God rather than human answers. He encourages the audience to spend time with the Lord, reading the Bible an
	Labor to Enter Into That Rest by Hans R. Waldvogel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hearing and heeding the word of God. He highlights how the word of God is alive, powerful, and transformative, likening it
	Revival Begins With You - Part 1 by Tom Phillips	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the opportunity and simplicity of sharing the word of God. He emphasizes that God will provide the words for us to speak and encourages listen
	Revival Conference 2007 - Part 11 by Denny Kenaston	This sermon emphasizes the importance of not worshiping any other gods but the Lord, who brought His people out of Egypt and promises to fill their hearts with spiritual nourishmen
	Open Thy Mouth Wide, and I Will Fill It by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit's power in the face of the challenges and trials of life. He highlights the limitations of human reasoning and t
	Answers From the Secret Place of Thunder by Carter Conlon	This sermon from Psalms 81 emphasizes the power and presence of God in the lives of believers, urging them to remember God's faithfulness and the secret place of thunder where God

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 81

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 81 emphasizes the importance of remembering God's works and faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 81:1-4. He also highlights the consequences of disobedience, as seen in God's judgment on Israel for their rebellion, and the importance of obedience, as God calls His people to obey Him and to experience His blessings. Henry reminds us that God's faithfulness is a Rock upon which we may build our hopes, and that we may be sure that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He also warns us of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of worshiping God alone, as seen in Psalms 81:16. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?