Psalms 81

Before giving a warning, the psalmist calls Israel to think about their God through song and dance.

This warning message invites Israel to worship only the Lord and to enjoy the fullness of his blessing.

• An Israelite tambourine was a hand drum with a round frame and skin cover. People used it as a percussion instrument during celebrations, often to accompany dancing (Psalms 68:25; 149:3; 150:4).

• The sweet-sounding harp and lyre, both stringed instruments, are the most frequently mentioned instruments in the psalms (for example, Psalms 33:2; 57:8; 71:22; 150:3).

• The ram’s horn gathered armies and announced special holy days (Psalms 47:5; 98:6).

• New Moon: The first day of each lunar month was a festival.

The festival, a time to celebrate and listen to the Lord, took place at God’s appointed time.

for Joseph: The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (the sons of Joseph) are used here to refer to the entire nation of Israel.

The Lord heard Israel’s cry in Egypt and rescued them from oppressive slavery.

God pleads with his people to remember the covenant and the Ten Commandments.

• God emphasizes that he and no one else rescued Israel.

• The nation should eagerly accept God's word (compare Deuteronomy 8:3; Ezekiel 3:1).

The Lord helps Israel to understand that their failure was not because of his weakness.

• God wants to give his goodness to his children, but they must listen (Isaiah 1:18–19; 28:12; 48:18–19; see Deuteronomy 6:3).

• God promises to defeat the enemies (Deuteronomy 9:3) of those who follow the paths of obedience and loyalty. He will also provide abundantly for his people (Isaiah 1:19).