Psalms 81:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 81:11 encapsulates a profound divine lament, revealing God's sorrow over His people Israel's persistent and deliberate refusal to obey His voice and accept His authority. This verse stands as a poignant interruption within a psalm that otherwise recounts God's benevolent acts of deliverance and His earnest desire to bless His covenant people, highlighting the tragic chasm between divine grace and human rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 81 is a unique psalm, beginning with a vibrant call to worship and thanksgiving, likely associated with a major Israelite festival such as Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) or Passover, given its allusions to the Exodus. From [Psalms 81:6](/psalms/81-6 "Psalms 81:6 - God's Oracle Begins") onward, the psalm transitions into a direct divine oracle, where God Himself speaks, recounting His mighty acts of deliverance from Egypt and His provision in the wilderness. He then issues a passionate appeal for Israel's obedience, promising abundant blessings if they would only listen and walk in His ways ([Psalms 81:8-10](/psalms/81-8 "Psalms 81:8-10 - God's Appeal for Obedience")). Verse 11 dramatically shifts the tone, introducing a painful lament that reveals the historical reality of Israel's consistent failure to heed God's voice, setting the stage for the lamentable consequences described in the subsequent verses, such as being given over to their own stubborn hearts ([Psalms 81:12](/psalms/81-12 "Psalms 81:12 - Consequences of Disobedience")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm draws heavily on the Exodus narrative and the wilderness wanderings, periods foundational to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh. The historical context is one of a covenant established at Sinai, where God delivered His law and promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Culturally, the act of "hearkening" (listening and obeying) was paramount in ancient Near Eastern covenant relationships, especially between a suzerain (God) and a vassal (Israel). Festivals like Sukkot served as annual reminders of God's faithfulness and Israel's obligations, making the divine lament within this celebratory context particularly striking. The verse reflects a recurring theme throughout Israel's history, from the golden calf incident ([Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")) to the prophetic denunciations of later kings and people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Desire vs. Human Disobedience**, highlighting God's earnest longing for a responsive relationship with His people, contrasted with their persistent rebellion. It also emphasizes the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Unfaithfulness**, as Israel's refusal to "hearken" signifies a profound breach of their covenant obligations, a pattern consistently lamented by prophets (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Stubborn Hearts")). Furthermore, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **Consequences of Rebellion**, as God's sorrow over their disobedience foreshadows the disciplinary actions He must take, allowing them to follow their own destructive paths when they reject His guidance ([Psalms 81:12](/psalms/81-12 "Psalms 81:12 - Given Over to Their Own Devices")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This is far more than a passive hearing. In biblical Hebrew, _shama'_ (שָׁמַע) denotes not just to perceive sound, but to listen attentively, understand, and, crucially, to obey. It implies a responsive and active engagement with what is heard. When God says His people "would not hearken," it means they actively refused to listen with the intent to obey, thereby rejecting His instruction and authority. This concept is central to the Shema in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "The Shema").
* **Would none of me (Hebrew, _lo-avah li'_):** The phrase `לֹא־אָבָה לִי` (_lo-avah li_) is a strong expression of unwillingness or refusal. The verb _avah_ (אָבָה) means "to be willing," "to consent," or "to desire." Thus, "would none of me" signifies a deliberate, resolute, and active rejection of God Himself, His will, His presence, and His guidance. It's not merely ignoring but actively choosing against Him, indicating a deep-seated spiritual aversion or indifference that prioritizes self-will over divine relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But my people would not hearken to my voice":** This clause reveals God's deep disappointment. The possessive "my people" underscores the intimacy of the covenant relationship, making their refusal even more painful. "Would not hearken to my voice" directly addresses their failure to respond obediently to His commands, His warnings, and His loving invitations. It points to a fundamental breakdown in the covenant relationship, where the people, despite being called by God's name, chose not to submit to His revealed will.
* **"and Israel would none of me":** This second clause intensifies the first, moving beyond mere disobedience to a profound rejection of God's very person and authority. "Israel" here functions as a synonym for "my people," emphasizing their identity as the chosen nation. The phrase "would none of me" expresses a comprehensive and active refusal to desire, accept, or embrace God as their sovereign and guide. It signifies a spiritual divorce, where the people deliberately distanced themselves from the One who had redeemed and sustained them.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 81:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Lament**, where God Himself expresses deep sorrow and disappointment over His people's actions, lending a profound emotional weight to the verse. This is coupled with **Anthropomorphism**, as God is depicted with human-like emotions of grief and rejection, making His pain relatable and emphasizing the personal nature of the covenant breach. There is a stark **Contrast** between God's benevolent intentions and His people's stubborn rebellion, which is a recurring motif throughout the psalm. The structure of the verse also demonstrates a form of **Parallelism**, where the two clauses ("my people would not hearken to my voice" and "Israel would none of me") reinforce and intensify the same core idea of rejection and disobedience through different but complementary phrasing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of God's persistent pursuit of humanity and humanity's equally persistent tendency towards rebellion. It highlights the tragic reality that despite God's clear communication, mighty acts of deliverance, and earnest desire for relationship, His people often choose their own way. This pattern of divine longing met with human rejection is a foundational theological truth, underscoring the nature of sin as a turning away from God. It serves as a somber reminder that God grants true freedom, allowing His creatures to choose even against their own best interests and His perfect will.

* [Deuteronomy 32:18](/deuteronomy/32-18 "Deuteronomy 32:18 - Forgetting God")
* [Jeremiah 7:24-26](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24-26 - Disobedience of Judah")
* [Isaiah 1:2-3](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-3 - Israel's Rebellion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 81:11 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting contemporary believers to honestly examine the state of their own hearts and their responsiveness to God's voice. Just as ancient Israel, we too are prone to spiritual apathy, distraction, and outright rebellion, choosing our own desires over God's clear commands and loving guidance. This verse challenges us to move beyond merely "hearing" God's Word to truly "hearkening"—listening with intent to understand, believe, and obey. It reminds us that our spiritual vitality and the blessings of God's presence are directly tied to our willingness to embrace Him fully, not just as a concept, but as the living, speaking God who desires our wholehearted devotion. To "have none of Him" is to forfeit the abundant life He offers, exchanging His perfect wisdom for our flawed inclinations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "hearkening" to God's voice, but not truly "obeying" it?**
* **What are the specific ways I might be "having none of" God, prioritizing my own will or worldly desires over His?**
* **How does God's lament in this verse reveal His character and His heart for His people, and how should that impact my response to Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a more responsive and obedient heart towards God's Word and Spirit?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that "Israel would none of me"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a profound and deliberate rejection of God's authority, presence, and will. It goes beyond simple disobedience to imply an active unwillingness or refusal to accept God as their sovereign and guide. It's a statement of spiritual aversion, where Israel consciously chose to distance themselves from the very God who had redeemed them and desired to bless them. It reflects a deep-seated desire to live independently of divine guidance, prioritizing their own desires and wisdom over God's. This is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, where God laments His people's stubbornness and unfaithfulness, despite His persistent love and covenant faithfulness (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Stubborn Hearts")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 81:11 finds its ultimate and tragic fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who came to His own, and His own received Him not ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Just as God lamented Israel's refusal to "hearken to My voice" and their choice to "have none of Me," so too did the Son of God encounter profound rejection from the very people He came to save. Jesus, the embodiment of God's voice and will, perfectly fulfilled the Law and prophets, yet He was despised and rejected by men ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")). His parables often highlighted the theme of those who had ears but would not hear ([Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Parable of the Sower")). However, in stark contrast to Israel's disobedience, Jesus perfectly embodied obedience to the Father, declaring, "I always do what pleases Him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Pleases the Father")). Through His perfect obedience, even unto death on the cross, He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a new covenant where God's law is written on hearts, enabling a responsive "hearkening" to His voice for all who believe ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.