Psalm 81.
This psalm is a call to Israel to gather together for the “new moon” (verse 3). This expression refers to the reappearance of Israel to reflect upon the earth the light of heaven. For centuries Israel’s light has been extinguished, but it is about to shine again.
Verse 5 is a reference to the sojourn of the children of Israel in the land of bondage. “I heard a language that I knew not,” —God is speaking of that foreign land. Canaan was His land. Since then Israel has gone through far deeper and more protracted sorrows than were known by them in Egypt. From the captivity of the Pharaohs, God set them free (verse 6), and when they called in trouble, He delivered them. The secret place of thunder (verse 7) is the throne of God (Revelation 4:55And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. (Revelation 4:5)) in connection with the judgment of the world. He requires holiness and righteousness, and He will not share His glory with another.
He not only answers the call of the needy; he proves those who profess to trust in Him. Israel tempted Him (Exodus 17:22Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord? (Exodus 17:2)), doubting His word, but He was testing them with difficulties as at Meribah, and He answered them in grace, met their thirst with an abundance of water.
How touching is the language of verses 8, 9, 10, addressed to an ungrateful and heedless people. Had Israel refused other gods (Exodus 20:33Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)), the Lord their God, who brought them up out of the land of Egypt would have satisfied their souls, but they would not hearken to His voice, would have none of Him. Therefore, He gave them up unto their own heart’s stubbornness; they walked after their own counsels (verse 12).
What yearning love is there not, in the words of verse 13; what grace!
If Israel had walked in His ways (and why did they not?), how different, how much happier their history would have been! They were on the ground of law, or law and grace mingled, and utterly afraid. Only unconditional grace will do for man, as the New Testament reveals.
ML 04/05/1931