Psalm 81:1-3

The Voice

Psalm 81

For the worship leader. A song of Asaph accompanied by the harp.^[a]

God’s covenant people celebrated many festivals honoring God and His provisions. Poets composed songs specifically for use on feast days. Psalm 81 is one of those. It was written to celebrate the Festival of Booths. God commanded His people to celebrate this festival every year so they would remember how God provided for them as they moved toward the promised land (Deuteronomy 16:13–15). A portion of this psalm (verses 5b–16) would have been sung by the lead musician as if he were speaking for God.

In the annual rhythm of festivals and praise, God is reminding the people of all He has done for them and of their past disobedience in spite of His love. He is also calling His people to renew their commitment to Him, a reasonable request on a holiday honoring Him.

¹Sing with joy to God, our strength, our fortress.
    Raise your voices to the True God of Jacob.
²Sing and strike up a melody;
    sound the tambourine,
    strum the sweet lyre and the harp.
³Blow the trumpet to announce the new moon,
    the full moon, the day of our feast.^[b]