Psalms 81:12

KJV

So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: [and] they walked in their own counsels.

KJV (with Strong's)

So I gave them up {H7971}{H8762)} unto their own hearts {H3820}' lust {H8307}: and they walked {H3212}{H8799)} in their own counsels {H4156}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to live by their own plans.

Berean Standard Bible

So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.

American Standard Version

So I let them go after the stubbornness of their heart, That they might walk in their own counsels.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 81:12 powerfully articulates the profound divine consequence of persistent human rebellion against God's loving guidance. It reveals God's sorrowful yet just act of "giving up" His people to the natural, often painful, outcomes of their own stubborn desires and self-devised plans. This verse highlights the tragic reality that when humanity rejects divine counsel, it is left to the perilous path of its own making, serving as a solemn warning against the perils of self-will and a poignant reminder of the blessings forfeited through disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 81 is a liturgical psalm, likely composed for a national feast such as Passover or the Feast of Tabernacles, commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt. It commences with a vibrant call to worship, urging the people to celebrate God's faithfulness with joyous music and praise, particularly noting the blowing of the trumpet at the New Moon and full moon (verses 1-5). The psalm then transitions into a powerful divine oracle, where God Himself speaks, recounting His mighty acts of salvation, most notably the Exodus from Egypt and His provision in the wilderness (verses 6-10). This sets the crucial backdrop for God's lament in verse 11: "But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me." Psalms 81:12 directly follows this complaint, explaining the sorrowful yet just consequence of their unresponsiveness. The psalm concludes with God's earnest desire for Israel's obedience, promising abundant blessings, prosperity, and victory if they would only listen (verses 13-16), thereby underscoring the tragic choice Israel made in verse 12.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is deeply embedded in Israel's covenant history, particularly their experiences during the wilderness wanderings after the Exodus. God's reminder of His provision and their subsequent rebellion is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, reflecting a cyclical pattern of apostasy and judgment. The phrase "I gave them up" resonates with the historical reality of Israel's repeated failures to uphold their covenant obligations. Culturally, the concept of a covenant relationship between a suzerain (God) and His vassal (Israel) implied mutual responsibilities: God's unwavering protection and provision were contingent upon Israel's exclusive loyalty and obedience to His commands. When Israel broke their side of the covenant by pursuing "their own hearts' lust" and "their own counsels," they effectively forfeited the promised blessings and protection, leading to the divine withdrawal described in this verse. The mention of specific feasts (New Moon, full moon) highlights times of national assembly and covenant renewal, making God's lament all the more poignant as it contrasts His enduring faithfulness with Israel's persistent unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 81:12 encapsulates several profound theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Consequence of Disobedience**, illustrating that God, while infinitely patient and desiring human flourishing, ultimately allows humanity to experience the natural repercussions of its choices when His guidance is continually rejected. This is not arbitrary punishment but a just withdrawal of His protective and guiding hand, a theme powerfully echoed in passages like [Romans 1:24, 26, and 28](/romans/1-24-28 "Romans 1:24, 26, 28 - God Gives Them Over to Their Sins"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Human Stubbornness and Self-Will**, revealing humanity's inherent inclination to follow selfish desires and rely on personal wisdom rather than divine instruction. This "hardness of heart" is a recurring motif in Israel's history, often leading to their downfall, as vividly depicted in the wilderness narratives found in [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy"). Finally, it implicitly speaks to **Lost Blessings and Opportunities**. The verses immediately following (Psalms 81:13-16) vividly describe the abundant prosperity, peace, and victory God longed to bestow upon His people had they only listened, making verse 12 a lament over the tragic forfeiture of these divine promises due to self-chosen paths.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lust (Hebrew, _shᵉrîyrûwth'_):** While the KJV translates this as "lust," the Hebrew word שְׁרִירוּת (_shᵉrîyrûwth_) carries a much stronger and more negative connotation than mere desire. It signifies **stubbornness, hardness of heart, obstinacy, or perverseness**. It describes a deep-seated, willful adherence to one's own way, even in defiance of clear divine instruction or warning. This is not a fleeting impulse but a resolute determination to follow one's own inclinations, often leading to moral corruption and spiritual rebellion. It emphasizes the active choice to resist God's will and walk in self-reliance.
* **Counsels (Hebrew, _môwʻêtsâh'_):** The Hebrew word מוֹעֲצָה (_môwʻêtsâh_) refers to **plans, purposes, or schemes**. In this context, "their own counsels" points to humanity's reliance on its own wisdom, strategies, and understanding, rather than seeking or submitting to God's divine counsel. It highlights a self-sufficiency that excludes God, where human reason and desire become the ultimate arbiters of truth and action, leading to paths that are ultimately self-destructive and contrary to God's design for flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust":** This clause reveals God's sovereign yet sorrowful response to Israel's persistent rebellion. The phrase "I gave them up" (וָאֲשַׁלְּחֵהוּ, _va'ashallehehu_, from H7971 _shâlach_) indicates a divine withdrawal, a relinquishment of His active intervention, restraint, and protective hand. It is not an arbitrary act of vengeance but a just consequence of their unyielding stubbornness. God, in His respect for human free will and agency, allows them to experience the natural, often painful, repercussions of their chosen path, which is defined by their "hearts' lust" – their deep-seated, perverse inclination to follow their own rebellious will (H3820 _lêb_ for heart, H8307 _shᵉrîyrûwth_ for lust/obstinacy).
* **"[and] they walked in their own counsels":** This second clause describes the active manifestation and practical outworking of the "giving up." Once God withdraws His restraining and guiding hand, the people are left to pursue their self-devised plans and strategies. "Walked" (וַיֵּלְכוּ, _vayyelkhu_, from H3212 _yâlak_) signifies their continued course of life, their chosen way of living and behaving. This walking in "their own counsels" (H4156 _môwʻêtsâh_) is the practical outworking of their "hearts' lust," demonstrating a complete reliance on human wisdom and a rejection of divine wisdom, leading them further away from God's intended blessings and into inevitable trouble and spiritual decline.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 81:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "So I gave them up," where God is depicted as actively relinquishing control, an action typically ascribed to humans. This portrays God's response in a way that is relatable to human experience, emphasizing His justice and respect for human agency in choosing their path. **Parallelism** is central to the verse's structure, with "their own hearts' lust" paralleling "their own counsels." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the core idea: a stubborn, perverse will (internal disposition) inevitably leads to self-devised, God-excluding plans and actions (external manifestation). The "lust" is the internal inclination, and the "counsels" are the external outworking of that inclination. The verse also functions as a form of **Divine Lament**, where God expresses sorrow and disappointment over His people's choices, rather than simply stating a decree. This adds a layer of pathos and highlights God's continued longing for their return, even in the midst of allowing the consequences of their rebellion to unfold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, human free will, and the dire consequences of rebellion. It teaches that while God desires obedience and abundant blessing for His people, He will not coerce humanity into submission. When His people persistently reject His voice and choose their own way, God, in His justice and respect for their agency, will "give them over" to the natural, often destructive, outcomes of their choices. This concept underscores the seriousness of spiritual rebellion and the inherent dangers of self-reliance, demonstrating that true freedom, flourishing, and security are found only in humble submission to God's wise and loving counsel. It serves as a stark reminder that the path of self-will inevitably leads away from God's protection, provision, and presence.

* [Deuteronomy 32:15-18](/deuteronomy/32-15-18 "Deuteronomy 32:15-18 - Israel's Rebellion and Consequences")
* [Romans 1:24-28](/romans/1-24-28 "Romans 1:24-28 - God Gives Them Over to Their Sins")
* [Hosea 4:17](/hosea/4-17 "Hosea 4:17 - Ephraim Is Joined to Idols; Let Him Alone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 81:12 is a timeless warning that resonates deeply with individuals and communities today. It calls us to a sobering self-examination: are we truly listening to God's voice, or are we, perhaps subtly, clinging to our own desires and plans, walking in our "own counsels"? The danger lies not only in overt rebellion but also in the gradual hardening of the heart that prioritizes personal preference, comfort, or perceived wisdom over divine instruction. This verse urges us to cultivate a posture of humility and active obedience, recognizing that God's commands are always for our ultimate good, protection, and flourishing. When we consistently choose our own path, we risk being "given up" to the natural, often painful, consequences of those choices, missing out on the abundant blessings and intimate relationship God longs to share. It is a powerful call to repentance, to turn from self-will and wholeheartedly embrace the Lord's path for true life, peace, and spiritual flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly walking in "my own counsels" rather than diligently seeking God's guidance and wisdom?**
* **What might be the "hearts' lust" or stubborn inclination within me that God is specifically calling me to surrender to His will?**
* **How does understanding God's act of "giving up" motivate me to cultivate a deeper commitment to obedience, trust, and dependence on Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to more consistently seek and follow God's counsel in my daily decisions, relationships, and aspirations?**

### FAQ

**Does "I gave them up" mean God actively punishes or just withdraws?**

Answer: The phrase "I gave them up" (Hebrew: _va'ashallehehu_) implies a divine withdrawal or relinquishment, rather than an active, arbitrary infliction of punishment. It signifies that God, in His justice and respect for human free will, removes His restraining and guiding hand, allowing people to experience the natural, often painful, consequences of their persistent disobedience. It's akin to a loving but just parent who, after repeated warnings and attempts to guide a child, allows the child to face the logical and inevitable outcome of their defiant choices. This concept is seen throughout Scripture, such as in [Romans 1:24, 26, and 28](/romans/1-24-28 "Romans 1:24, 26, 28 - God Gives People Over to Their Sins"), where God "gives them over" to their own sinful desires. This is not a direct infliction of evil, but rather a consequence of their rejection of Him and His truth. It highlights God's sovereignty and His commitment to justice, even when it means allowing humanity to reap what it sows.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 81:12, with its stark depiction of human rebellion and divine consequence, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound contrast between humanity's stubborn self-will and Christ's perfect obedience. While Israel walked in "their own counsels" and was "given up" to their "hearts' lust" due to their persistent disobedience, Jesus Christ, the true Israel and the perfect Son, perfectly submitted to His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). He did not walk in His own counsels but declared, "I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks God's Will")). Furthermore, the tragic consequence of humanity being "given up" to sin is ultimately borne by Christ, who became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, those who were once "given up" to their own sinful desires and destructive paths can now be "given over" to new life in Him, empowered by the Spirit to walk not in their own counsels, but according to the Spirit, thereby fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")). Thus, what the psalm laments as a tragic consequence for rebellious Israel, the New Covenant offers as redemptive grace and transformation through the obedient 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")).

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

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.

Romans 1:24

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Isaiah 30:1

¶ Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

Acts 7:42

¶ Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices [by the space of] forty years in the wilderness?

2 Thessalonians 2:9

[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2 Thessalonians 2:11

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Acts 14:16

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.