Psalm 81:14

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 81:14

I should soon have subdued their enemies ,.... The Canaanites, and others: this he would have done in a very little time, or at once, and that easily, and without any trouble; he would quickly have humbled them, and brought them on their knees, as the word F7 אכניע "flecterem", Cocceius. signifies, to terms of peace; for when a man's ways please the Lord, he makes his enemies to be at peace with him, Proverbs 16:7 so those that hearken to the voice of Christ, and walk in his ways,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 81:14

I should soon have subdued - If God's promise appeared to fail in behalf of his people, it was because they rejected his counsel, and walked in their own. While they were faithful, they prospered; and not one jot or tittle of God's word failed to them. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 81:14

Verse 14 14.I would soon have brought their enemies low. Here the Israelites are taught, that all the calamities which had befallen them were to be imputed to their own sins; for their enemies did not fight against them with any other strength than that with which they were supplied from above. God had promised that under his leading the chosen people would prove victorious over all their enemies; and now to take away all ground for charging him with violating his word, he affirms that he would... 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 81:13-16

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 81:14

I should soon have subdued ( rather, I should won subdue ) their enemies. Israel is still surrounded by enemies, anxious for his destruction. God could subdue them and sweep them away in a moment, if he pleased; and would do so, if Israel would repent and return to him. The appeal is to the living Israel—the Israel of the psalmist's time, which is given one more chance of triumph over its enemies. And turned my hand against their adversaries. Logically, the two clauses should have... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 81:14

I should soon have subdued their enemies - This is one of the consequences which, it is said, would have followed if they had been obedient to the laws of God. The phrase rendered soon means literally like a little; that is, as we might say, in a little, to wit, in a little time. The word rendered subdued means to bow down; to be curved or bent; and the idea is, that he would have caused them to bow down, to wit, by submission before them. Compare Deuteronomy 32:29-30.And turned my hand against... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 81:14-15

Psalms 81:14-15. I would soon have subdued their enemies Both those remaining Canaanites, whom now, for their unbelief and apostacy, I have left in the land, to be snares and plagues to them, and also all their encroaching and vexatious neighbours, who have so often invaded and laid waste their country. The haters of the Lord The enemies of God’s people, such as the neighbouring nations were; should have submitted themselves Should have owned and professed their subjection to them, if... read more

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