Topic: The Feast (Psalm 81)
The historical background of Psalm 81 involves the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths). This was a time to remember God’s hand in the wilderness while waiting to enter into the Promised Land. It was a time to remember that God provided the land flowing with milk and honey. During this festival, God’s goodness was celebrated in the abundant fruits of the earth in the history of his people (Leviticus 23:33-44). The Psalmist calls Israel to:
Raise the Roof:
Verse 2 says, “Raise a song, strike the timbrel, the sweet-sounding lyre with the harp.” What is all the noise about? What’s all that shouting about? What is everyone saying at the top of their lungs? Israel was called to sing for joy. God wants us to delight in Him. We are ordered to delight in the Lord. It is our prerequisite; for our happiness comes from God. He will care for us in our time of need, our time of trouble, our time of despair. 1 Corinthians 8:6 says, “There is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things and we exist through Him.”
Open Wide:
Verse 10 says, “I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” When I think of a mouth wide open, I think of a baby bird waiting with its mouth open for its mother to fill it. Did you know that there are species of birds that place their beaks full of food directly into the belly of the baby? That baby must have its mouth wide open. We are to be like that bird with a wide-open mouth–ready to be filled. Filled with what? Filled with His presence that brings forth praise (raise the roof).
Walk with God:
Verse 11 says, “But My people did not listen to My voice, and Israel did not obey Me.” God says we need to listen to Him and walk in His ways! During the Feast of Booths, Israel was to remember how God provided in the wilderness. The Psalmist also recalled how the Israelites rebelled against God in the wilderness and did not enter into the Promised Land (Number 13). Therefore, an entire generation missed God’s fullness and joy. We are to delight in the Lord by walking with Him. Verse 16 says, “But I would feed you with the finest of wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
Listen to the song called “Honey in the Rock”
Give thanks to the Lord by raising the roof, opening your mouth wide and walking with Him!
See you Sunday, Dr. Scott Kallem