Psalms 81:8

KJV

¶ Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085}{H8798)}, O my people {H5971}, and I will testify {H5749}{H8686)} unto thee: O Israel {H3478}, if thou wilt hearken {H8085}{H8799)} unto me;

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Hear, my people, while I give you warning! Isra'el, if you would only listen to me!

Berean Standard Bible

Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!

American Standard Version

Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wouldest hearken unto me!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 81:8 presents a direct and urgent divine appeal from God to His covenant people, Israel, underscoring the profound necessity of attentive listening and obedient response. This verse functions as a solemn preamble to God's lament and exhortation, wherein He recounts His unwavering faithfulness throughout their history while gently yet firmly highlighting their consistent failure to heed His voice. It encapsulates a foundational principle of the covenant relationship: God communicates His will and truth, and His people are called to respond with active, life-transforming obedience, which is essential for their flourishing and the experience of His blessings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 81 is a unique composition, transitioning from a communal call to worship to a direct prophetic oracle from God Himself. The psalm opens with an enthusiastic exhortation for Israel to celebrate God with music and festivity, likely in connection with a major harvest festival like the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) or the Feast of Booths (Sukkot), which commemorated the Exodus and God's provision in the wilderness. This celebratory introduction (Psalms 81:1-5) sets a tone of remembrance for God's mighty acts. However, the tone shifts dramatically in Psalms 81:6, where God begins to speak in the first person, recounting His deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage and their subsequent journey. Verse 8, our focal point, then introduces God's poignant lament over their historical disobedience and His earnest plea for them to listen, thereby setting the stage for the conditional blessings and warnings that follow in the latter half of the psalm, particularly from [Psalms 81:11-16](/psalms/81-11 "Psalm 81:11-16 - Israel's Disobedience and God's Desire").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is deeply rooted in Israel's covenant history, particularly the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. The reference to "the burden from his shoulder" and "the pots" in [Psalms 81:6](/psalms/81-6 "Psalm 81:6 - Deliverance from Egypt") vividly recalls their slavery in Egypt. The wilderness period, characterized by God's miraculous provision (like manna and water from the rock, as seen in [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock")) juxtaposed with Israel's frequent grumbling and rebellion, forms the backdrop for God's lament. The cultural understanding of "hearing" (Hebrew: *shama*) in the ancient Near East was not merely auditory perception but encompassed attentive listening, understanding, and obedient action, a concept central to the covenant relationship established at Sinai. God's "testimony" (`ud`) was a solemn, legally binding declaration, akin to a divine witness presenting evidence and instruction for the people's benefit and adherence to the covenant stipulations found, for example, in [Deuteronomy 5](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5 - The Ten Commandments").
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Invitation and Exhortation**, as God directly addresses "my people" and "O Israel," demonstrating an intimate yet authoritative relationship. This is a passionate plea for their attention, not just to hear sounds, but to truly comprehend and act upon His words, echoing the call for Israel to "listen" to the voice of the Lord their God throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy"). Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Testimony and Revelation**: when God says, "I will testify unto thee," it means He will bear witness, give solemn instruction, and reveal crucial truth. This testimony is not merely information but a divine declaration essential for Israel's well-being and their understanding of His will and the covenant's demands. Finally, the conditional phrase "if thou wilt hearken unto me" underscores the **Condition of Obedience** within the covenant. God's promises and the flourishing of their relationship are contingent upon their responsive obedience, a principle foundational throughout the Old Testament, as seen in the blessings promised for obedience in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear / Hearken (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This verb is far richer than its English translation suggests. It implies not just the physical act of perceiving sound but also attentive listening, understanding, internalizing, and, most critically, obeying. It denotes a responsive hearing that leads to action. This is the same root found in the foundational declaration of Jewish faith, the [Shema Yisrael ("Hear, O Israel") in Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema Yisrael"), which calls for complete devotion and obedience to God's commands. In this context, God is not merely asking for an ear but for a heart and will that are ready to comply.
* **Testify (Hebrew, _`ud'_):** This word carries the meaning "to bear witness," "to admonish," "to warn," or "to give solemn instruction." It implies a formal, weighty declaration, often with legal or covenantal implications. When God says He will "testify," He is not just speaking casually; He is presenting a solemn, authoritative declaration of truth, recalling His past acts of salvation and His ongoing expectations for His people. It's a divine warning and instruction given for their benefit and adherence to the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Hear, O my people,"**: This opening phrase is a direct, intimate, yet authoritative address from God. The "¶" (parashah mark) in the KJV indicates a new section, emphasizing the shift to God's direct speech. The possessive "my people" highlights the covenant relationship and God's deep affection and ownership, while also underscoring His right to command. It is an urgent call for attention, implying that they have not been listening as they should.
* **"and I will testify unto thee:"**: This clause reveals God's intention: to bear witness, to instruct, and to warn. He is about to lay out His case, reminding them of His faithfulness and their failings. This testimony is not accusatory in a purely condemnatory sense, but rather a loving, parental admonition, intended to draw them back into right relationship and obedience for their own good.
* **"O Israel,"**: This is a direct parallel and reiteration of "O my people," reinforcing the specific audience—the nation of Israel, the descendants of Jacob. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of the nation to hear and obey, highlighting their identity as God's chosen people with a unique covenantal obligation.
* **"if thou wilt hearken unto me;"**: This is the crucial conditional clause, revealing the heart of God's desire and the prerequisite for their blessing. "Hearken" (again, *shama'*) here emphasizes the responsive, obedient aspect of hearing. God's blessings and their flourishing are contingent upon their willingness to truly listen and obey His voice. It sets up the contrast with their historical disobedience and points to the path of restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 81:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Direct Address** and **Apostrophe**, as God speaks directly to "my people" and "O Israel," creating an immediate and personal connection with the audience. This personal address elevates the urgency and intimacy of the divine plea. The use of **Repetition** through the synonymous "Hear" and "hearken" (both derived from *shama'*) underscores the central theme of obedience and emphasizes the depth of listening required—not just auditory perception, but active, responsive compliance. The phrase "if thou wilt hearken unto me" functions as a **Conditional Statement**, highlighting the fundamental principle of the covenant: God's blessings and the health of the relationship are contingent upon Israel's obedience. This sets up a clear cause-and-effect relationship, where the outcome of their future is directly tied to their present response to God's voice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 81:8 encapsulates a core theological truth woven throughout the entirety of Scripture: God desires a relationship with His people characterized by responsive obedience. His call to "hear" is not a mere suggestion but a divine imperative rooted in His covenant faithfulness and His ultimate desire for their well-being. This verse highlights the tension between God's unwavering commitment to His promises and humanity's recurring tendency towards disobedience. It reminds us that true faith is demonstrated not just by intellectual assent but by active submission to God's revealed will. The divine "testimony" is God's continuous self-revelation, His ongoing effort to guide, warn, and instruct His people, ensuring they remain on the path of life and blessing. The conditional nature of "if thou wilt hearken" underscores human responsibility within the divine-human partnership, where divine grace enables obedience, but human choice remains paramount.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Jeremiah 7:23](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23 - The Call to Obey")
* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 81:8 remains a timeless and urgent call for all who claim to be God's people today. In a world saturated with noise and distractions, the divine imperative to "hear" and "hearken" becomes even more critical. It challenges us to move beyond passive listening to active, discerning engagement with God's voice, primarily through His written Word, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our willingness to truly "hearken"—to understand, internalize, and obey—is the barometer of our relationship with God and the pathway to experiencing His abundant blessings. This verse calls us to a posture of humility and responsiveness, acknowledging that God's testimony is for our good, designed to lead us into a deeper, more flourishing life with Him. It prompts us to examine whether our lives reflect a genuine desire to hear and follow the Shepherd's voice, or if we are, like ancient Israel, prone to straying.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most challenged to truly "hearken" to God's voice, moving beyond mere hearing to active obedience?**
* **How does my daily routine reflect a prioritization of listening to God through His Word and prayer?**
* **What specific "testimonies" or instructions from God (in Scripture or through conviction) might I be resisting or neglecting to obey?**
* **How does my obedience (or lack thereof) impact my experience of God's blessings and the depth of my relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "testify" to His people in this context?**

Answer: When God says, "I will testify unto thee," it means He is making a solemn, authoritative declaration, acting as a divine witness. This "testimony" is not merely an accusation but a weighty instruction, a warning, and a reminder of His covenant relationship with Israel. It involves recounting His past faithfulness (as seen in [Psalms 81:6-7](/psalms/81-6 "Psalm 81:6-7 - God's Deliverance")) and laying out His expectations for their obedience, often recalling the laws and stipulations given at Sinai (e.g., [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")). God testifies for their benefit, to guide them, correct them, and call them back to the path of life and blessing that comes from hearkening to His voice. It's a loving admonition from a faithful God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 81:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of God's "testimony" and the supreme example of perfect "hearkening." The Old Testament call for Israel to hear and obey God's voice, which they so often failed to do (as highlighted in [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - Israel's Disobedience in the Wilderness")), reaches its climax in the person of Christ. Jesus himself declared, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")). He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the final and complete revelation of God's testimony to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Unlike Israel, Jesus perfectly "hearkened" to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). Therefore, the call to "hear" God's voice today is fundamentally a call to hear and believe in Jesus, for in Him, God's testimony is fully revealed, and through Him, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to truly hearken and obey ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")).

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

Psalms 50:7

¶ Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I [am] God, [even] thy God.

John 3:11

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

Isaiah 1:19

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

Exodus 15:26

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.

Psalms 81:13

Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, [and] Israel had walked in my ways!

1 John 5:9

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

John 3:32

And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.