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Psalm 81 | King James Audio Bible
YouTube: Psalm 81 | KJV | King James Version | Audio Bible | Word Aloud
Psalm 81 is a beautiful and sensitive call to worship God. Reminiscent of an act of penance and reconciliation, the psalm becomes a tapestry of remembrance, recounting the historical journey of the Israelites from the land of Egypt and God’s faithfulness in delivering them.
The psalmist invites the people to celebrate the appointed feasts, recalling the statutes and laws established by the God of Jacob. In this call to celebration is a reminder of human disobedience and consequences of turning away from God’s loving guidance. There is earnest plea for Israel to heed the divine voice, embrace obedience, and receive abundant blessings promised by their covenant-keeping God.
The psalm opens with a command to sing aloud and make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob, accompanied by musical instruments and the blowing of the trumpet. This festive call to worship sets the tone for celebration of God’s greatness and a communal remembrance of God’s deeds.
As the psalmist recounts Israel’s history, the focus turns to the time of Joseph and deliverance from the land of Egypt. God, who heard the cries of His people in a foreign land, is portrayed as a delivering God. Imagery of removing burdens and answering in the secret place of thunder speaks to the powerful and mysterious nature of God’s intervention.
The narrative is reflective, expressing God’s desire for obedience and faithfulness. The call to hearken and declaration that no strange god should be worshipped underscore the importance of maintaining the covenant relationship with God. The psalmist recalls God’s identity as the one who brought Israel out of Egypt, urging the people to open their mouths wide to receive God’s abundant provision.
A sombre note is introduced as the psalmist laments Israel’s disobedience and refusal to heed God’s voice. Consequences of their choices are described as God giving them up to their own hearts’ lust, allowing them to walk in their own counsels.
The psalm suggests a wistful reflection on what could have been if Israel had listened and walked in God’s ways. The potential for victory over enemies and the satisfaction with the finest of the wheat and honey from the rock paints a vivid picture of missed blessings due to disobedience.
Psalm 81 | King James Audio Bible KJV | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.
Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.
This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.
I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.
Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;
There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.
I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!
I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.
The haters of the Lord should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.
He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.
Key Themes Of The Psalm For Reflection | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
- Call To Worship: The psalm begins with a resounding call to worship, urging the people to sing aloud and make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.
- Remembrance Of God’s Faithfulness: The psalmist recounts the historical journey of the Israelites, emphasizing God’s faithfulness in delivering them from the land of Egypt.
- Celebration Of Appointed Feasts: There is an invitation to celebrate the appointed feasts and to remember the statutes and laws established by the God of Jacob.
- Communal Reflection: The psalm serves as a communal reflection on Israel’s history, emphasizing God’s intervention, the removal of burdens, and answers in times of trouble.
- Call To Obedience: Woven into the celebration is a call to obedience, with a reminder to hearken to God’s voice and reject the worship of strange gods.
- Covenant Relationship: The identity of God as the one who brought Israel out of Egypt is highlighted, underscoring the importance of maintaining the covenant relationship.
- Lament For Disobedience: The psalmist laments Israel’s disobedience and their refusal to heed God’s voice, leading to the consequences of being given up to their own hearts’ lust.
- Missed Blessings: A wistful reflection on what could have been if Israel had walked in God’s ways, including victory over enemies and the satisfaction with abundant provisions.
- Potential For Restoration: Despite the lament, the psalm suggests the potential for restoration if Israel were to turn back to God and embrace obedience.
- Lesson In Faithfulness: The psalm is a lesson in faithfulness, reminding us all of blessings that come with heeding God’s voice and the consequences of turning away.
In this poem, Herbert reflects on the limits of human strength and importance of divine assistance. The poem begins with the modest admission that ‘to write a verse or two is all the praise, / That I can raise’, indicating that any expression of gratitude or devotion Herbert offers to God is inherently limited. This acknowledgment of inadequacy runs throughout the poem, shaping a tone of humility and dependence on divine strength [ … ]
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine. This is difficult text. The dogs, the pigs – these would be terms to describe the non-Jewish, yet in acknowledging this we are aware of Jesus’ ministering to everybody, gathering crowds of disparate people, and enjoining them to coexist peacefully, while he walked in the land of the Gentiles [ … ]
Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
