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Psalm 81 NIrV
Inspired by Yahweh
Written by Asaph
Written to Israel
The Psalmist reminds Israel through a song of God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3:8, Exodus 6:6, and Exodus 12:51). So, we learn that Messiah is Israel’s deliverer (Zechariah 12-14 and Romans 11:26). Christians know that He is also our deliverer (1 Thessalonians 1:10 and Hebrews 2:14-15).
Then the Psalmist, speaking for God, reminds Israel that God is King of all kings (1 Timothy 6:15 and Revelation 17:14), has a kingdom (John 18:36, 1 Corinthians 4:20, and Revelation 11:15), has laws (John 14:15 and Revelation 12:17, also see the Epistle of James), has a worldview (Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:17, and 1 John 2:15-17), and has a lifestyle (1 John 2:6 and Galatians 5:22-23). So, we learn that this is still true. Christians need to study (2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and 2 Peter 1:19) and be taught God’s worldview and lifestyle. This worldview and lifestyle has never changed (Malachi 3:6). The laws to Israel are not for Christians (Hebrews 10:9, Romans 10:4, Hebrews 8:13). Our laws with the same worldview and lifestyle have never changed. There is still a day of rest (Hebrews 10:25 and Acts 20:7-8) though we are not required to celebrate the Sabbath as Israel was required to do. Nine of the other 10 commandments are repeated in the New Testament.
Then God states
B1 Nobody listens. God speaks, and we have those writings—the Scriptures. Psalms 81:8 NIrV My people, listen and I will warn you. Israel, I wish you would listen to me! See James 1:22-24 and 1 John 5:9.
B2 People turn to other gods and deliverers who cannot deliverer. Psalms 81:9 NIrV Don’t have anything to do with the gods of other nations. Don’t bow down and worship strange gods. See 1 John 5:21 and James 4:4.
B3 There is no other deliverer. God says, “I want to deliver and bless you.” Psalms 81:10 NIrV I am the LORD your God. I brought you up out of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things. See 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Romans 8:1-2, James 1:12, etc.
B4 People do not listen and will not obey His rules. Psalms 81:11 NIrV But my people wouldn’t listen to me. Israel wouldn’t obey me. See Acts 7:51, 2 Peter 2:9-10 and Titus 1:16.
B5 Wrong choices have many types of consequences. Our own ways of life lead to curses and unrest. Psalms 81:12 NIrV So I let them go their own stubborn way. I let them follow their own sinful plans. See Galatians 6:7, and Proverbs 1:31, and 2 Corinthians 5:10.
B6 That God wishes for people to live and think His way. God’s way of life is one of blessing and peace. Psalms 81:13 NIrV I wish my people would listen to me! I wish Israel would live as I want them to live! See John 12:26 and Ephesians 5:1-2.
B7 God does deliver but He will not deliver us if we are rebellious and get ourselves into trouble. Psalms 81:14 NIrV Then I would quickly bring their enemies under control. I would use my power against their attackers. See 2 Corinthians 1:10, 2 Peter 2:9, and 2 Timothy 4:18.
B8 Our enemies (controlling people, abusers, addictions, etc.) would be defeated. Psalms 81:15 NIrV Those who hate me would bow down to me in fear. They would be punished forever. See Hebrews 13:6, Luke 12:4-5, and 1 John 2:15 (John 16:33 and 1 John 5:4).
B9 Our basic needs would be fulfilled. Psalms 81:16 NIrV But you would be fed with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with the sweetest honey. See Proverbs 28:20, Hebrews 10:35, and Revelation 21:1-4.
We don’t see these blessings in society because society has turned from Yahweh and His way of life to our own way of life. See Galatians 5:19-23, 2 Peter 2:9-10, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 13:13, and 2 Timothy 3:1-9.
Matthew 5:6 NRSV Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
John 13:17 EMTV If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Psalms 40:8 NRSV I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
We now need, more than ever, to know and do His ways.
Book of Psalms, God’s worldview, God’s lifestyle, Bible reading and studying
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