FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Psalm 81:1-16
John 6:37

“… except ye repent,
ye shall all likewise perish.”

A HISTORICAL PSALM

Asaph’s footnote seems to be the calling to mind the events of Israel’s history, of God’s mighty acts, in order to admonish the present generation that has departed from their fathers’ faith. Without learning from history, history will repeat itself. Hence the Bible records for us the deeds of heroes of faith, eg. Moses, Samuel and Daniel. The study of Old Testament history is one subject much neglected by the Church.

The Psalmist adds his strength to the rulers of Israel to call God’s people to a “solemn feast day,” perhaps the celebration of the Passover. When we come on such a special occasion it is good to prepare items of praise with help of musical instruments. Today there are two extreme recipients to this injunction. The Charismatics overdo this by bringing in worldly instruments and follow their carnal beat. The Hyper-Reformed forbid any other music than the singing of Psalms without any musical instrument at all.

The first part of this Psalm recalls Joseph’s rulership over Egypt. But with the passing of Joseph’s generation, Israel came under the yoke of the Egyptians. God saved them out of Egypt by way of the wilderness. The waters of Meribah is the place in the region of Mount Horeb, near Rephidim, where Moses struck the rock and water flowed out (Exod 17:7; Num 20:13, 24; 27:14).

The mention of Meribah, meaning “strife,” is obviously used against the present generation of Israelites.

When we turn a stiff neck to God, what is the result? “So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels” (Ps 81:12). But God is always gracious to the penitent. There is a way of return. What Asaph is saying to Israel, he is saying to the Church today.

THOUGHT: “There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.” (Ps 81:9)
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Lord, for Thy promise of deliverance in Psalm 81:7.