Psalms 81:15

KJV

The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

The haters {H8130}{H8764)} of the LORD {H3068} should have submitted {H3584}{H8762)} themselves unto him: but their time {H6256} should have endured for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who hate ADONAI would cringe before him, while [Isra'el's] time would last forever.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who hate the LORD would feign obedience, and their doom would last forever.

American Standard Version

The haters of Jehovah should submit themselves unto him: But their time should endure for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 81:15 presents a profound divine lament, articulating God's sorrow over Israel's persistent disobedience and contrasting the tragic reality of their forfeited blessings with the enduring prosperity and peace they would have experienced had they chosen submission. This hypothetical statement underscores the severe consequences of rejecting divine authority, revealing God's heartbroken desire for His people's flourishing and the profound loss incurred by their rebellious hearts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 81 is a unique and dynamic composition, weaving together elements of liturgical celebration, prophetic oracle, and a poignant divine lament. It commences with an exuberant call to worship, likely intended for a major Israelite festival, urging the people to praise God with musical instruments for His mighty acts of deliverance, particularly from their bondage in Egypt, establishing the foundational narrative of God's redemptive power ([Psalm 81:1-5](/psalms/81-1-5 "Psalm 81:1-5 - Call to Worship for Deliverance")). The psalm then transitions dramatically into God's direct voice, a powerful prophetic address recalling His covenant relationship with Israel from the moment of the Exodus and the giving of the Law ([Psalm 81:6-10](/psalms/81-6-10 "Psalm 81:6-10 - God's Voice Recalling the Exodus and Covenant")). Within this divine discourse, God expresses deep sorrow and frustration over Israel's stubborn refusal to heed His voice and obey His commands, lamenting their self-inflicted suffering ([Psalm 81:11-12](/psalms/81-11-12 "Psalm 81:11-12 - Israel's Rejection of God's Counsel")). It is within this context of divine pathos that verses 13-16 articulate the abundant blessings and security God longed to bestow upon His people had they walked in His ways, making verse 15 a powerful and sorrowful hypothetical statement of what *could* have been, contrasting it with the tragic reality of their choices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm was likely composed for use during one of Israel's annual pilgrimage festivals, possibly Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) or Passover, given its references to the new moon, trumpet blasts, and the foundational narrative of the Exodus from Egypt. It powerfully evokes the covenant established at Mount Sinai, where Yahweh delivered Israel from slavery and called them to an exclusive relationship of worship and obedience as His treasured possession. The "haters of the LORD" in this specific context do not primarily refer to external gentile enemies, but rather to Israel itself, whose persistent actions and heart posture of rebellion against God's commands effectively positioned them as adversaries to His loving will. The concept of "their time should have endured for ever" directly relates to the conditional promises of sustained prosperity, peace, and secure dwelling in the Promised Land, which were explicitly contingent upon Israel's faithfulness to the covenant, as meticulously outlined in the blessings and curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). The psalm serves as a prophetic reminder of these foundational principles and the consequences of their neglect.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 81:15 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it starkly highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, contrasting the potential for lasting national prosperity and security with the reality of forfeiture and suffering due to active opposition to God's will. It unequivocally underscores that rejecting God's guidance inevitably leads to a loss of divine favor and enduring blessings. Secondly, it implicitly but powerfully emphasizes the **Blessings of Obedience**, revealing that true and willing submission to the Lord would have resulted in an "enduring time"—a period of sustained peace, stability, and divine protection, pointing to the profound and holistic benefits of living in harmony with God's design. This aligns with the wisdom tradition found in [Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1-2 "Proverbs 3:1-2 - Blessings of Wisdom"). Thirdly, the verse conveys a deep sense of **Divine Lament and Desire for Reconciliation**, as God's hypothetical statement of what "should have been" reveals His underlying sorrow, frustration, and longing for His people to turn back to Him, demonstrating His profound, parental love for their well-being despite their stubborn rebellion, echoing themes found in [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - Repentance and Rest"). Finally, it powerfully speaks to **Lost Opportunity**, emphasizing the tragic, long-term, and potentially generational impact of Israel's choices to reject God's path, a theme often revisited in the prophetic books (e.g., [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon and False Security")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haters (Hebrew, _sânêʼ_):** This word (H8130), derived from a primitive root, signifies active animosity, opposition, or hostility. It is not mere indifference but a posture of active antagonism. In this context, it describes the heart condition of Israel, whose persistent rebellion and refusal to obey God's commands placed them in a position of active opposition to His sovereignty and loving will, despite their covenant relationship.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** This word (H3068) is the self-Existent or Eternal One, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. It emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His eternal, unchanging nature. The "haters of the LORD" are therefore those who oppose the very essence of the covenant God who delivered and sustained them.
* **Submitted (Hebrew, _kâchash_):** This verb (H3584) carries a range of meanings including "to be untrue," "to lie," "to feign," "to disown," but also "to cringe," "to disappoint," or "to fail." In Psalms 81:15, it implies a forced or grudging submission, an outward act of yielding, even if not from a heart of genuine love or willing obedience. The verse suggests that even this minimal, perhaps insincere, yielding to God's authority would have averted severe consequences and brought a better destiny than open hostility.
* **Time (Hebrew, _ʻêth_):** This word (H6256) refers to a specific period or season, often with a sense of opportunity or destiny. When combined with "endured for ever," it speaks of the duration and quality of their national existence and prosperity.
* **Endured for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm_):** This term (H5769) denotes "eternity," "forever," "perpetuity," or "lasting." When combined with "their time," it paints a picture of an unending period of prosperity, stability, and secure existence. It signifies the perpetual nature of the blessings—peace, flourishing, and security in the land—that would have been Israel's continuous reality had they chosen the path of obedience, echoing the promises of enduring covenant blessings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The haters of the LORD":** This opening clause identifies the subject of God's lament as those who actively resist and oppose His will and authority. In the immediate context of Psalm 81, this refers to disobedient Israel, whose actions and heart posture demonstrated a spirit of antagonism towards their covenant God, despite His gracious deliverance and steadfast love.
* **"should have submitted themselves unto him":** This phrase presents a counterfactual, hypothetical scenario, outlining the alternative action Israel *should* have taken. The verb suggests that even a grudging, feigned, or minimal outward submission to God's authority—a mere cessation of active resistance—would have dramatically altered their fate, averting the severe consequences of outright rebellion. It highlights the simplicity of the path to blessing, even if not born of perfect love.
* **"but their time should have endured for ever":** This concluding clause articulates the immense, lasting blessing that would have been Israel's perpetual reality had they chosen submission. "Their time" refers to their period of flourishing, prosperity, and secure existence as a nation. The phrase "endured for ever" underscores the perpetual and unending nature of these blessings, contrasting sharply with the transient and troubled reality that resulted from their disobedience and rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 81:15 is rich in literary technique, primarily employing a **Hypothetical Statement** (also known as a counterfactual conditional). The entire verse describes a scenario that did not occur ("should have submitted... should have endured"), emphasizing the tragic nature of Israel's actual choices and the profound blessings they forfeited. This device powerfully conveys God's lament and sorrow over what *could* have been, highlighting the stark contrast between divine intention and human failure. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast**, drawing a vivid distinction between the "haters of the LORD" and the potential for an "enduring time" of blessing. This juxtaposition highlights the binary outcomes of obedience versus disobedience, making the consequences of rebellion strikingly clear. While not a direct personification of an abstract concept, God's expression of regret and sorrow over Israel's choices imbues the divine with deeply human emotions, creating a profound sense of divine pathos and making His lament over His people's self-inflicted suffering more poignant and relatable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates the Deuteronomic principle of covenant retribution, where obedience brings blessing and disobedience brings curse. It is not merely a transactional relationship but a profound theological truth that living in alignment with God's revealed will leads to flourishing, while rebellion leads to forfeiture and hardship. God's lament here underscores His unwavering desire for His people's good, even when they act as His adversaries. It highlights that the consequences of sin are not arbitrary punishment but the natural outflow of rejecting the source of life and blessing. The "enduring time" is the promised shalom, the holistic peace and well-being that God intended for His people, a state of perpetual security and prosperity rooted in His presence and faithfulness. This divine sorrow over lost opportunity is a recurring motif throughout the prophetic literature, demonstrating God's consistent longing for His people to choose life.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Blessings for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 1:24-33](/proverbs/1-24-33 "Wisdom's Call and Consequences of Rejection")
* [Isaiah 1:19-20](/isaiah/1-19-20 "Invitation to Obedience and Warning of Rebellion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 81:15 serves as a timeless warning and a profound invitation for all generations. It reminds us that our posture towards God's authority and His revealed will has profound and lasting consequences, impacting not only our individual lives but potentially our communities and future generations. When we resist or actively oppose God's guidance, whether through outright rebellion, subtle neglect, or a grudging, half-hearted compliance, we forfeit the peace, stability, and enduring blessings He desires for us. Conversely, choosing genuine submission, even when it feels difficult or counter-intuitive to our natural inclinations, opens the door to a life of sustained favor and spiritual flourishing, a life deeply rooted in God's eternal purposes. God's desire for our good remains constant, and His lament over our disobedience is born out of His deep, abiding love, not a punitive desire. This verse encourages us to reflect deeply on our own hearts: are we, by our actions and attitudes, among the "haters" of the LORD, resisting His loving guidance, or do we willingly submit to His perfect will, thereby securing an "enduring time" of blessing, purpose, and profound peace in our lives?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be acting as a "hater of the LORD" by resisting His known will or commands, perhaps subtly or unconsciously?**
* **What "enduring time" of spiritual, emotional, or relational blessing might you be forfeiting by choosing disobedience or half-hearted submission over genuine surrender?**
* **How can you cultivate a heart of genuine, willing, and joyful submission to God's authority rather than a grudging or feigned compliance?**

### FAQ
**Does "haters of the LORD" mean God hates people?**

Answer: No, the phrase "haters of the LORD" (שֹׂנְאֵי יְהוָה - *sone'ey Yᵉhôvâh*) describes those who actively resist God's will, commands, or covenant. It refers to a posture of rebellion and antagonism against His sovereignty, not that God harbors hatred for individuals. In fact, the very lament in [Psalms 81:13-16](/psalms/81-13-16 "Psalms 81:13-16 - God's Lament and Desire for Israel's Obedience") demonstrates God's profound sorrow and desire for His people's well-being, indicating His deep love and longing for their reconciliation and obedience, which would lead to their flourishing. He desires their submission for their own good, not their destruction. This is consistent with God's character revealed throughout Scripture, such as in [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance").

**What does "their time should have endured for ever" imply for us today?**

Answer: This phrase implies that obedience to God leads to lasting peace, stability, and spiritual flourishing, both individually and corporately. While it doesn't promise earthly immortality in a literal sense, it speaks to a quality of life that is rooted in God's eternal purposes and promises. For believers today, it signifies the enduring blessing of walking in fellowship with God, experiencing His provision, protection, and the deep, abiding peace that transcends circumstances. It points to a life lived in alignment with God's eternal kingdom, bringing true and enduring blessing that is not subject to the transient nature of worldly success. This echoes the promise of [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life in Christ") where Jesus offers life to the full.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 81:15, with its poignant lament over Israel's failure to submit and receive enduring blessing, points powerfully to the perfect obedience and ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Israel, as a corporate entity and God's chosen son, continually failed to embody the perfectly obedient relationship God desired, repeatedly demonstrating a heart of rebellion. However, Jesus, the true Son of God, perfectly embodied the submission that Israel lacked. He [did not come to do His own will but the will of Him who sent Him](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father's Will"), and He [humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death"). Through His perfect, willing submission, Jesus secured an "enduring time" of blessing not only for Himself but for all who believe in Him. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant promises, providing a way for those who were once "haters" of God (alienated by their sin and hostile in mind, as described in [Colossians 1:21](/colossians/1-21 "Colossians 1:21 - Reconciliation Through Christ")) to be reconciled to Him. His sacrifice removes the enmity, enabling us to [draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Drawing Near to God Through Christ") and receive the [abundant life](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life") and [eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life") that truly endures forever. Through Christ, we enter into a perpetual state of peace, security, and fellowship with God, the very "enduring time" that Israel's disobedience forfeited but which is now freely offered through the perfect obedience of 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

Deuteronomy 7:10

And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

Romans 1:30

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Romans 8:7

Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Joel 3:20

But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Psalms 102:28

The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.

Psalms 83:2

For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.