Purpose

To provide a songbook for worship and express the full range of human emotions in relationship with God.

Author

Multiple authors over 1,000 years. David wrote nearly half (73 psalms), often during his years as a shepherd, warrior, and king. Other contributors include worship leaders, musicians, and poets.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-400 BC. Israel's worship songs covering 1,000 years of history from Moses to the exile.

Significance

The Bible's prayer book and hymnal, showing us how to relate to God honestly in every circumstance.

Key Themes

Worship, Prayer, God's Character, Trust, Deliverance

Interesting Facts

• Psalms is the longest book in the Bible with 150 chapters
• Jesus quoted Psalms more than any other Old Testament book
• Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible (2 verses)

Prophecies

• Messianic psalms predicting Christ's suffering and glory (Psalms 22, 69, 110, etc.) Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled these in His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (1000 years later)

Psalm 81 is a heartfelt appeal from God, delivered through the voice of Asaph, inviting the Israelites to worship and reminding them of His past faithfulness. The chapter opens with a call to joyous worship, emphasizing the importance of singing and music in honoring God, particularly during appointed feasts. The psalmist encourages the people to celebrate their relationship with God, who is described as their strength and protector. The initial verses outline the liturgical practices of ancient Israel, highlighting the significance of communal worship. As the psalm progresses, the tone shifts to a more somber reflection on Israel's historical disobedience. God recalls past instances where He delivered His people, particularly during their time in Egypt, and how they cried out in distress. However, He laments that despite His mighty acts, they did not listen to His voice or submit to His commands. Verses 9 to 16 depict a divine lament over Israel’s stubbornness and idolatry. God expresses His desire for His people to turn back to Him, promising that had they listened, He would have subdued their enemies and provided abundantly for them. The imagery of being fed with the finest wheat and honey from the rock illustrates the richness of God’s blessings that await those who follow Him faithfully. The psalm concludes with a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the blessings that flow from obedience. Overall, Psalm 81 serves as both a call to joyful worship and a warning against the pitfalls of disobedience, underscoring the importance of heeding God's voice.