A Feast of Remembrance
Every year the Israelites celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Autumn as a memorial to God, remembering when they lived in “tabernacles” in the wilderness. This national feast would be a time of rejoicing for the people, and would include Psalm 81.
This psalm is a call to rejoice and worship the Lord, remembering their deliverance out of bondage in Egypt (81:1-5). This festival is an ordinance established by God and the people have a responsibility to come before Him and worship Him. The psalmist calls all believers to “sing” and “shout joyfully” to their God (81:1-2). He is a God that protects His people and has intervened throughout their history. Brethren,we are commanded to gather together with other believers this side of the cross in an assembly called the “church” (Heb 10:25). This assembly is to provide accountability (Heb 10:24), fellowship (1 Jn 1:3), an opportunity to worship corporately (Eph 4:19-21) and teaching from the Scriptures (Eph 4:11-12); all with the goal of your maturity in Christ (Eph 4:13).
As a reminder to the people, the Lord admonishes them, telling them they are too often stubborn and idolatrous (81:6-10). Even with all His mighty works on their behalf, they still turned to pagan idols, and away from their true God (81:9-10). Brethren, God does not tolerate rivals in the lives of His people. He has bought us with a price (1 Pet 1:17-19), and He requires total allegiance (1 Pet 1:14-15).
Obedience to God’s word brings blessings and disobedience brings discipline (81:11-16). The worst judgement of God is to give someone over to their own pride and sin; a life of no restraint looking for anything and everything to satisfy their desires. Brethren, only Christ truly satisfies, obey Him (81:16; Jn 6:35).