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Day 210

Psalm 81:13a "Oh, that My people would listen to Me..."

Day 210 – Psalm 81

“Oh, that My people would listen to Me…” Psalm 81:13a

A DIVINE LAMENT

Did Asaph lament because of the troubles that came upon Israel? God had His personal lament concerning the children of Israel.

“Oh, that My people would listen to Me,
That Israel would walk in My ways!”
Psalm 81:13

1. “Oh”

a) An expression of lament.
b) This has an even sadder tone when it is uttered by God.

2. “That My people would listen to Me”

a) God still cared for the children of Israel.
b) He still regarded them as “My people”.
c) Why would not His people listen to Him?
d) As long as the people chose to reject God, He could not do anything for them.

3. “That Israel would walk in My ways”

a) God had shown Israel His ways.
i) His ways led to blessing.
ii) His ways were good and holy.
iii) His ways were life-giving.
b) Why would Israel not choose to walk in His ways?
i) God had promised mercy when Israel faltered and failed.
ii) God would understand, forgive and continue to grant aid to His people.
iii) God had forgiven time and again.
c) God would never force Israel to accept His ways.
d) If necessary, Israel must learn the hard way.