Psalm 81:13,Psalm 21:6-13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 81:8-16

God, by the psalmist, here speaks to Israel, and in them to us, on whom the ends of the world are come. I. He demands their diligent and serious attention to what he was about to say (Ps. 81:8): ?Hear, O my people! and who should hear me if my people will not? I have heard and answered thee; now wilt thou hear me? Hear what is said with the greatest solemnity and the most unquestionable certainty, for it is what I will testify unto thee. Do not only give me the hearing, but hearken unto me,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 81:13

O that my people had hearkened unto me ,.... This might have been expected from them, as they were his professing people; and it would have been to their advantage if they had hearkened to him, as well as it would have been well pleasing to him; for that is what is designed by this wish, which does not express the purposing will of God; for who hath resisted that? if he had so willed, he could have given them ears to hear; but his commanding will, and what is his approving one: to hearken to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 81:13

O that my people had hearkened unto me, - Israel had walked in my ways - Nothing can be more plaintive than the original; sense and sound are surprisingly united. I scruple not to say to him who understands the Hebrew, however learned, he has never found in any poet, Greek or Latin, a finer example of deep-seated grief, unable to express itself in appropriate words without frequent interruptions of sighs and sobs, terminated with a mournful cry. yl (m# ym( wl יהלכו בדרכי ישראי... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 81:13

Verse 13 13.O if my people had hearkened to me! By the honorable designation which God gives to the people of Israel, He exposes the more effectually their shameful and disgraceful conduct. Their wickedness was doubly aggravated, as will appear from the consideration, that although God called them to be his people, they differed nothing from those who were the greatest strangers to him. Thus he complains by the Prophet Isaiah, “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:1-16

Psalms 81:1-5 appear to be the preface of a song of thanksgiving, intended for public recitation at one of the great public festivals—either the Passover or the Feast of Tabernacles. Psalms 81:6-16 are part of a psalm of complaint, wherein God expostulates with his people. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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 81:13

Oh that my people had hearkened unto me! rather, would hearken unto me !. And Israel had walked in my ways! rather would walk! read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:13

God's lamentation over man's lost opportunities. "Oh that my people," etc.! Among the saddest words ever spoken are those we utter concerning what might have been. Lost opportunities; neglected duties; mischance that was within a hairbreadth of good fortune; misunderstandings that a little candour or patience would have prevented; voices we do not listen to, but whose echoes haunt us; the joy, wealth, success, love, happiness, within our grasp, if we had not let them slip;—what a weight... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:13

The sorrow of God. Occasioned by this—he could not do for his people what he would. He would have delivered them from their foes, and fed them with the finest of the wheat. They, by their conduct, compelled him to withhold his hand, and even to smite instead of bestow. Compare the sorrow of Christ when looking from Olivet upon Jerusalem. He mourns over what he would have done for its people; but they "would not." I. GOD 'S JOY IN THE BLESSING OF HIS PEOPLE . Their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:13-16

What might have been. These verses tell what Israel missed, but might have had. And they are written for our learning. Note— I. WHAT GOD WAS PREPARED TO DO FOR THEM . 1 . Subdue their enemies . 2 . Discomfit their adversaries . 3 . Conversions should have been numerous . 4 . Eternal life should have been theirs . 5 . And fulness of joy . And in reference to men now: God waits to be gracious and to do all for them that corresponds to the... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 81:8-16

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 81:13

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 81:13

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 81:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:1-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:6-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:13-16

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