Main Highlights
A call to joyful worship and remembrance of God's deliverance, coupled with a rebuke for Israel's disobedience and a lament for their missed opportunity for blessing.
Key Verses
Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!- Psalm 81:1
I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.- Psalm 81:10
Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!- Psalm 81:13
Related Scripture
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.- Revelation 5:9
Scholar Insight
"Psalm 81 reminds God’s people of the salvation accomplished in the past and calls them to a present renewal of the covenant relationship. The summons to celebrate God’s faithfulness in delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt, as well as the accompanying warnings, provide a framework for the congregation to evaluate its present relationship with the Lord. - Willem VanGemeren, Psalms. The Expositor's Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
We learn that God is a deliverer (from Egypt) (Psalm 81:10) who desires joyful worship (Psalm 81:1). He is also a God who laments over the disobedience of His people and desires their obedience.
Christological Connection
Jesus is not explicitly referenced, but the idea of God delivering His people from bondage prefigures Christ's ultimate deliverance from sin.
Systematic Theology
The concept of covenant is central. God has made a covenant with His people, and He expects them to keep their part of the agreement.
Law & Grace
God reminds them of the law given when he delivered them (Psalm 81:5). However, because of their disobedience, God laments that they did not follow the law.
Personal Application
People should strive to obey God, and worship him with their whole heart, knowing that God delivers them from sin and darkness. "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." (Psalm 81:10)