Psalms 81:11

But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.

But my people {H5971} would not hearken {H8085}{H8804)} to my voice {H6963}; and Israel {H3478} would {H14}{H8804)} none of me.

"But my people did not listen to my voice; Isra'el would have none of me.

But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me.

But my people hearkened not to my voice; And Israel would none of me.

Commentary on Psalms 81:11 (KJV)

Psalms 81:11 delivers a poignant divine lament over Israel's historical pattern of rebellion: "But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me." This verse stands as a stark contrast to God's earlier expressions of desire for their obedience and the blessings He longed to bestow upon them.

Context

Psalm 81 is often understood as a prophetic and hortatory psalm, possibly sung during a major Israelite festival like the Feast of Tabernacles or Passover. The psalm begins with a call to joyful worship and then transitions into a divine oracle, where God Himself speaks (from verse 6 onward). He recounts His mighty acts of deliverance, particularly from Egypt (see Psalms 81:6), His provision in the wilderness, and His commandments given at Sinai. He expresses His desire for Israel to listen and obey, promising abundant blessings if they would (Psalms 81:8-10). Verse 11 then interrupts this hopeful declaration with the painful reality of Israel's consistent failure to heed His call, setting the stage for the consequences outlined in the subsequent verses.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Desire vs. Human Disobedience: The verse highlights the tragic gap between God's earnest desire for His people's fellowship and obedience and their persistent refusal. God longs for a responsive relationship, but Israel repeatedly turns away.
  • Rejection of God's Authority: "Israel would none of me" signifies a profound and deliberate rejection of God's sovereignty and guidance over their lives. It's not merely passive ignorance but an active unwillingness to embrace Him as their God.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the preceding and following verses in Psalm 81 clearly show that Israel's refusal to "hearken" led to them being "given over to their own hearts' lust" (Psalms 81:12), missing out on promised blessings.
  • Covenant Unfaithfulness: This verse underscores Israel's unfaithfulness to the covenant established with God, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "hearken" is shama (שָׁמַע), which means more than just to hear; it implies listening with the intent to understand and, crucially, to obey. It's a foundational concept in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing responsive obedience. The phrase "would none of me" is a strong expression in Hebrew, conveying a resolute unwillingness or refusal to accept God's will or presence. It speaks to a deep-seated spiritual indifference or even aversion, rather than mere oversight.

Related Scriptures

This divine lament over Israel's stubborn and disobedient heart echoes throughout the prophetic books. God's longing for His people's obedience is a consistent theme, as seen in Isaiah 1:19 ("If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land"). The historical context of Israel's rebellion in the wilderness is frequently recalled, for instance, in Numbers 14:11, where God asks, "How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?" This verse also resonates with the choice presented to Israel between life and death, blessing and curse, based on their obedience to God's voice.

Practical Application

Psalms 81:11 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual apathy and rebellion for all believers. It challenges us to honestly examine our own hearts: are we truly "hearkening" to God's voice, not just hearing His Word but actively seeking to obey it? Do we, like ancient Israel, sometimes "have none of Him" by prioritizing our own desires, plans, or comforts over His clear commands and loving guidance? This verse reminds us that God still speaks through His Word and Spirit, and our spiritual vitality depends on our willingness to listen and respond in faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 32:18

    Of the Rock [that] begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.

  • Jeremiah 7:23

    But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

  • Jeremiah 7:24

    But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels [and] in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.

  • Proverbs 1:30

    They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

  • Exodus 32:1

    ¶ And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

  • Deuteronomy 32:15

    ¶ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

  • Jeremiah 2:11

    Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit.

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