Psalm 81
Theme
Oh, that My People Would Listen to Me!
Outline
1-5, Call to Praise 6-12, Redemption, Requirement, Disobedience, Exile 13-16, Future Hope
Key Verse
(81:10) I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. (81:1) Sing aloud to God our strength; make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob.
Notes
Psalm 81 is structured with distinct units of thought, beginning with imperatives (81:1–3) and followed by an explanation (81:4–5). Yahweh speaks from 81:6 to 81:14, with a selah marking the end of the first speech unit. The psalm emphasizes listening to God, referencing Israel and their history, including the exodus and wilderness experiences. It features a chiastic structure, starting with a summons to feast and concluding with the celebration of judgment and salvation. The psalmist calls Israel to praise, recounts their history, and expresses future hope, organized into three main sections: Call to Praise, Redemption and Disobedience, and Future Hope.