psalm-81:7-17,-luke-15:11-32

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:6-16

The "discourse" is now given. It commences somewhat abruptly, and is, perhaps, itself a fragment, the beginning of which is lost. God reminds Israel of his past favours ( Psalms 81:6 , Psalms 81:7 ), exhorts them to faithfulness ( Psalms 81:8 , Psalms 81:9 ), promises them blessings ( Psalms 81:10 ), complains of their waywardness ( Psalms 81:11 , Psalms 81:12 ), and finally makes a last appeal to them to turn to him, and recover his protection, before it is too late ( Psalms... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:7

Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee (see Exodus 2:23 ; Exodus 3:7 ; Exodus 14:10 , etc.). I answered thee in the secret place of thunder. The pillar of the cloud seems to be meant. In this, and from this, God answered the cry of his people ( Exodus 14:24 ). I proved thee at the waters of Meribah ( Exodus 17:7 ). The "selah" after these words marks a pause, during which the people addressed might reflect on the manifold mercies which God had vouchsafed to them in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:7

The secret place of thunder. "Thunder covert;" literally "hiding place of thunder;" i.e. the dark thunderclouds, from behind which God spoke to the Israelites. Some writers find a reference to the pillar of cloud and fire, in which God appeared for the guiding of Israel's journey. But there is no special reason for calling the pillar of cloud a "thundercloud." The poet is, in a very general way, reviewing the Divine dealings with Israel; and here the troubles connected with the time at... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:8

Hear, O my people (comp. Psalms 81:11 , Psalms 81:13 ). Israel is still "God's people," however rebellious ( Psalms 81:11 , Psalms 81:12 ). God has not yet given them up. And I will testify unto thee ; or, " protest unto thee" (Kay, Cheyne). O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me; or, "if thou wouldst but hearken unto me!" read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:9

There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god (comp; Exodus 20:3 ; Deuteronomy 5:7 ). Such worship had evidently begun, and required to be forbidden afresh. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:9

The sole Object of worship. This verse recalls to mind the second recitation of the Decalogue in Deuteronomy 5:1-33 . "In Deuteronomy 5:9 the keynote of the revelation of the Law from Sinai is struck; the fundamental command which opens the Decalogue demanded fidelity to Jehovah, and forbade idol worship as the sin of sins." The claim of Jehovah on the Israelites needs to be precisely described. God, as El, was very generally, perhaps universally, known. But men went wrong, in relation... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:10

I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt . The reminder was continually needed (see Exodus 20:2 ; Le Exodus 26:13 ; Deuteronomy 5:6 ; Hosea 12:9 ; Hosea 13:4 ). Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it . God's gifts, both temporal and spiritual, are proportioned to our eager longing for them. As Christ could not do his miracles in one place because of their unbelief, so God cannot give lavishly unless we desire largely. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:10

Open thy mouth wide; or, great expectations encouraged. There is no one that we like less than a man who is always begging. Our way is to tell people who ask of us, that they are not to come again, or that we can do but very little for them. And those who ask know how we feel, and hence they plead, perhaps, that they have never asked before, or that they never will again, or that they only ask for a very little. Now, it is not difficult to defend this our common conduct with suppliants;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:10

Sufficiency in God. "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." Whatsoever be the needs or the desires of God's people, there is abundance of grace for the supplying of the needs, and the satisfying of the desires, Compare our Lord's saying to his disciples, "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my Name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full," The figure in the text is explained in Thomson's 'Land and the Book.' "It is said to have been a custom in Persia, that when the king... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:11

But my people would not hearken to my voice (comp. Psalms 78:10 , Psalms 78:41 , Psalms 78:56 ; 2 Kings 17:14 ; 2 Chronicles 36:15 , 2 Chronicles 36:16 ). And Israel would none of me; literally, would not obey me (see the Prayer book Version). read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:6-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:9

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:9

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:10

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:10

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:10

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:11

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