Psalms 81:7 - Exposition

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 Egypt, in the wilderness, and elsewhere.