For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. By Asaph. Sing aloud to God, our strength! Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob!

The Psalm

Psalms. Chapter 81. For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. By Asaph. Sing aloud to God, our strength! Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob! Raise a song, and bring here the tambourine, the pleasant lyre with the harp. Blow the trumpet at the New Moon, at the full moon, on our feast day. For it is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob. He appointed it in Joseph for a covenant, when he went out over the land of Egypt, I heard a language that I didn’t know. “I removed his shoulder from the burden. His hands were freed from the basket. You called in trouble, and I delivered you. I answered you in the secret place of thunder. I tested you at the waters of Meribah.” Selah. “Hear, my people, and I will testify to you, Israel, if you would listen to me! There shall be no strange god in you, neither shall you worship any foreign god. I am the LORD, your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. But my people didn’t listen to my voice. Israel desired none of me. So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts, that they might walk in their own counsels. Oh that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn my hand against their adversaries. The haters of the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. But he would have also fed them with the finest of the wheat. I will satisfy you with honey out of the rock.”

Worship Lyrics

For the Chief Musician
On an instrument of Gath
By Asaph
Sing aloud to God, our strength
Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob
Raise a song, and bring here the tambourine, the pleasant lyre with the harp
Blow the trumpet at the New Moon, at the full moon, on our feast day
For it is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob
He appointed it in Joseph for a covenant
When he went out over the land of Egypt I heard a language that I didnt know
I removed his shoulder from the burden
His hands were freed from the basket
You called in trouble, and I delivered you
I answered you in the secret place of thunder
I tested you at the waters of Meribah
Selah
Hear, my people, and I will testify to you, Israel, if you would listen to me
There shall be no strange god in you, neither shall you worship any foreign god
I am the LORD, your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it
But my people didnt listen to my voice
Israel desired none of me
So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts, that they might walk in their own counsels
Oh that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways
I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn my hand against their adversaries
The haters of the LORD would cringe before him
And their punishment would last forever
But he would have also fed them with the finest of the wheat
I will satisfy you with honey out of the rock

About This Psalm

Psalm 81 is a deliverance psalm that speaks to the heart of worship and devotion. This ancient song continues to inspire modern believers in their faith journey.

Key Themes: deliverance, conflict

Reflection

This psalm invites us to:

• Meditate on God's word and character
• Apply biblical truth to our daily lives
• Express our hearts in worship and prayer

Music & Worship

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Discussion Questions

1. What does this psalm teach us about God's character?
2. How can we apply the message of Psalm 81 to our lives today?
3. What verse or phrase stands out most to you, and why?

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