Psalms 81:4

KJV

For this [was] a statute for Israel, [and] a law of the God of Jacob.

KJV (with Strong's)

For this was a statute {H2706} for Israel {H3478}, and a law {H4941} of the God {H430} of Jacob {H3290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because this is a law for Isra'el, a ruling of the God of Ya'akov.

Berean Standard Bible

For this is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob.

American Standard Version

For it is a statute for Israel, An ordinance of the God of Jacob.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 81:4 serves as a foundational declaration, asserting the divine origin and non-negotiable authority of the commands given to Israel, particularly those pertaining to their worship and national life. It unequivocally states that the practices and principles outlined by God were not mere human traditions but immutable, divinely established decrees from the covenant-keeping God of Jacob, forming the very framework for their relationship with Him and their distinct national identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 81 opens with an exuberant and urgent call to communal worship, urging the people to "sing aloud to God our strength" and to "raise a shout to the God of Jacob" ([Psalms 81:1-2](/psalms/81-1-2 "Psalms 81:1-2 - Call to Worship")). This introductory exhortation specifically references the sounding of trumpets and the playing of musical instruments at the "new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day" ([Psalms 81:3](/psalms/81-3 "Psalms 81:3 - Feast Day Observance")), strongly indicating a setting of national festival worship. Verse 4 then functions as the crucial theological bedrock for this commanded worship, asserting its divine origin as a "statute for Israel" and a "law of the God of Jacob." Following this foundational statement, the psalm transitions into a powerful divine oracle ([Psalms 81:6-16](/psalms/81-6-16 "Psalms 81:6-16 - God's Lament and Promise")) where God Himself speaks, recounting His past acts of deliverance for Israel (e.g., from Egypt) and lamenting their persistent disobedience, contrasting their potential blessings with their actual rebellion. Thus, verse 4 acts as a vital hinge, justifying the call to worship by grounding it in God's immutable decrees before God's own voice enters the narrative to address His people directly.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to Asaph, a prominent choirmaster during the reigns of David and Solomon, Psalm 81 was likely composed for public liturgical use in the Temple. The specific mention of the new moon and full moon, alongside the blowing of the shofar (trumpet), strongly suggests its connection to the autumnal feasts of Israel—specifically Rosh Hashanah (the Feast of Trumpets) and Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles). These feasts were not merely cultural celebrations but divinely ordained observances with precise instructions given in the Torah. The phrase "the God of Jacob" is a deeply significant theological title, harkening back to God's personal revelation to the patriarch Jacob at Bethel, where God reiterated His covenant promises ([Genesis 28:13-15](/genesis/28-13 "Genesis 28:13-15 - God's Covenant with Jacob at Bethel")), and His subsequent faithfulness to the nation descended from him. This title underscores the historical continuity of God's covenant relationship with Israel, emphasizing that the laws and statutes were given by the same faithful God who had chosen and redeemed them from bondage.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Authority and Sovereignty:** This verse unequivocally states that the commands for worship and national life originate directly from God. These are not human traditions or suggestions but divine decrees, reflecting God's absolute rule and His inherent right to prescribe how His people are to live and worship. This theme is central to the entire Old Testament, where God's word is presented as supreme and binding, as seen in the foundational commands for life and prosperity in [Deuteronomy 6:1-3](/deuteronomy/6-1 "Deuteronomy 6:1-3 - Commands for Life and Prosperity").
* **Covenant Fidelity and Obligation:** The title "the God of Jacob" highlights God's personal and covenantal relationship with Israel. This reminds the nation of their unique status as God's chosen people and their corresponding responsibility to obey His laws. God's faithfulness to His covenant demands a reciprocal faithfulness from His people, a concept deeply explored throughout the Pentateuch, especially in God's declaration of Israel as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Kingdom of Priests").
* **Prescribed Worship:** The passage establishes that true worship is not arbitrary or a matter of human preference but is precisely prescribed by God. The specific feasts, their timing, and their elements were part of God's revealed will for how His people were to honor Him. This principle of divinely ordered worship is foundational to the detailed instructions for the tabernacle and temple worship found in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Burnt Offerings") concerning sacrifices and offerings, and [Numbers](/numbers/9 "Numbers 9 - The Passover in the Second Year") regarding specific observances.
* **Israel's Responsibility and Disobedience:** By asserting the divine origin of the law, verse 4 sets the stage for the subsequent divine lament over Israel's disobedience ([Psalms 81:11-12](/psalms/81-11-12 "Psalms 81:11-12 - Israel's Disobedience")). It underscores the gravity of their failure to uphold these divine mandates, which were given for their ultimate good and for God's glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Statute (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** H2706. From חָקַק; an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage); appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. This term refers to an ordinance, a fixed decree, an established custom, or something carved out or prescribed. It implies permanence, immutability, and divine origin. A _chôq_ is not subject to change or negotiation; it is a fixed boundary or rule set by a higher authority. In this context, it emphasizes that the acts of worship and the observance of feasts were divinely established, unchangeable requirements for Israel, signifying a non-negotiable divine imperative.
* **Law (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** H4941. From שָׁפַט; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style; [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. This word denotes a judgment, an ordinance, a just decree, or a legal right. While _chôq_ emphasizes the fixed nature of a decree, _mishpâṭ_ highlights its ethical, judicial, and righteous character. It implies that God's commands are not arbitrary but are rooted in His just and righteous character, serving to establish justice and order within the community. Together, _chôq_ and _mishpâṭ_ underscore the comprehensive, authoritative, and inherently just nature of God's commands for Israel's worship and conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this [was] a statute for Israel":** This clause provides the divine justification for the joyful worship exhorted in the preceding verses ([Psalms 81:1-3](/psalms/81-1-3 "Psalms 81:1-3 - Call to Worship and Feast Observance")). The "this" refers specifically to the acts of worship, the sounding of trumpets, and the observance of the appointed feasts. It asserts that these practices were not human inventions or optional traditions but an immutable, divinely ordained decree specifically given to the nation of Israel. It highlights the unique relationship God had with His chosen people, for whom He prescribed a distinct way of life and worship, setting them apart from all other nations.
* **"[and] a law of the God of Jacob":** This phrase reinforces the divine origin of the command and adds a crucial layer of theological depth by identifying the source as "the God of Jacob." This title is profoundly significant, recalling God's personal revelation and covenant promises to the patriarch Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 28:13-15](/genesis/28-13 "Genesis 28:13-15 - God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")), and by extension, to the entire nation descended from him. It underscores that these commands flow not from an impersonal deity but from a faithful, covenant-keeping God who has a deeply personal and redemptive relationship with His people. It reminds Israel that their obedience is a response to the God who chose them, delivered them from bondage, and bound Himself to them in an everlasting covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **synonymous parallelism**, a common and powerful feature of Hebrew poetry, where "a statute for Israel" is echoed and reinforced by "a law of the God of Jacob." Both phrases convey the same core idea of divine command and authority, but the second phrase adds significant depth by specifying the source as the covenant God, thereby emphasizing the personal and relational aspect of the law. This repetition serves to underscore the absolute, non-negotiable, and divinely authoritative nature of God's decrees. Furthermore, the use of the **divine title** "the God of Jacob" is a powerful **theological allusion** that evokes the entire history of God's covenant faithfulness, from the patriarchs through the Exodus and beyond. It serves as a profound reminder of God's identity as the one who keeps His promises and demands obedient worship from His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 81:4 profoundly establishes that God's commands are not arbitrary but are rooted in His immutable character and are given for the ultimate good of His people. The concept of divine law, whether expressed as "statute" (_chôq_) or "law" (_mishpâṭ_), serves to establish order, define righteousness, and provide a clear, indispensable framework for humanity's relationship with a holy God. For Israel, these commands were foundational to their identity and their covenant relationship, distinguishing them sharply from surrounding nations. They revealed God's specific will for their worship, their ethics, and their communal life, serving as a constant, tangible reminder of His sovereignty and their solemn obligation to live in joyful obedience. The very act of worship, therefore, was not a human invention or a cultural preference but a divinely prescribed response to the God who had redeemed them and entered into covenant with them.

* [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Keep the Commandments")
* [Exodus 12:14](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:14 - Passover as a Lasting Ordinance")
* [Nehemiah 9:13-14](/nehemiah/9-13 "Nehemiah 9:13-14 - God's Good Laws")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 81:4 offers timeless and profound principles for believers today. It reminds us that true worship is not merely an optional activity or a matter of personal preference, but rather a joyful, obedient response to God's divine revelation and His inherent, supreme worth. Just as God gave specific statutes and laws to Israel, He has provided clear principles for worship and life in the New Covenant through Christ and His inspired Word. Our worship, both corporate and individual, should therefore be deeply grounded in God's eternal truth and His revealed will, not solely on human invention, fleeting emotions, or shifting cultural trends. This verse encourages us to diligently understand the divine foundations of our faith and to joyfully obey the Lord in all aspects of our lives, knowing with certainty that His commands are always for our ultimate good and His glory. It challenges us to critically consider whether our spiritual practices are truly aligned with God's desires or if they have become merely convenient traditions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin of God's commands impact our approach to worship today, both personally and corporately?**
* **In what ways do we sometimes treat God's "statutes" and "laws" as optional suggestions or outdated traditions rather than divine imperatives for holy living?**
* **What does it truly mean for us to worship the "God of Jacob" – the faithful, covenant-keeping God – in our contemporary, post-resurrection context?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "the God of Jacob"?**

Answer: This title is deeply significant, recalling God's personal covenant with Jacob (later renamed Israel) at Bethel ([Genesis 28:13-15](/genesis/28-13 "Genesis 28:13-15 - God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")) and His continued, unwavering faithfulness to Jacob's descendants throughout their history. It emphasizes God's personal, redemptive relationship with Israel, His unwavering commitment to His promises, and His identity as the one who chose, sustained, and delivered them through all their trials. It highlights that the laws and statutes were not from an impersonal deity but from the very God who redeemed and covenanted with their patriarch, underscoring the relational and redemptive context of His commands.

**Does this verse imply that Christian worship must follow Old Testament statutes?**

Answer: No, not directly. While [Psalms 81:4](/psalms/81-4 "Psalms 81:4 - A Statute for Israel") emphasizes the divine authority and binding nature of Old Covenant commands for Israel, the New Testament reveals a profound fulfillment and transformation of these laws in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christians are under the New Covenant, where worship is primarily spiritual and in truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")), rather than being bound by the specific ceremonial and civil laws given exclusively to ancient Israel. The ceremonial laws, including specific feast observances, are fulfilled in Christ and are no longer binding for believers in the same way. However, the underlying principle of divine authority and the perpetual need to worship God according to His revealed will remains. We are called to obey Christ's commands and live according to the Spirit, which aligns with the moral and theological principles underlying the Old Testament law, such as love for God and neighbor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 81:4, in its assertion of God's immutable statutes and laws for Israel, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. Jesus Himself declared that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), perfectly embodying the "statute" and "law" of God through a life of flawless obedience that no human could achieve. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He established the New Covenant, a covenant "better" than the old because it is founded on better promises and mediated by a superior High Priest ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). This New Covenant enables a new and living form of worship – worship in Spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")) – where the outward observances and ceremonial regulations of the Old Covenant give way to an inward transformation by the Holy Spirit. The "God of Jacob" is fully and ultimately revealed in Jesus, who is God incarnate, the very Word made flesh dwelling among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). While the specific ceremonial statutes for Israel are fulfilled and no longer binding, the underlying principles of holiness, justice, and love, inherent in God's law, are upheld and transformed in Christ, empowering believers to live out God's will by the power of the Holy Spirit, thereby fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled")). Our worship now is a joyous, Spirit-empowered response to the finished work of Christ, offered through Him as our great High Priest, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence and boldness ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")).

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.