“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What’s easy to miss here is the profound sense of rejection God expresses. "Israel would none of me" isn't just about disobedience; it’s a cry that they refused to accept Him as their God, choosing their own paths and desires over the intimate relationship He offered.
“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens with God inviting Israel to a festival, calling them His people and reminding them of His mighty acts of deliverance from Egypt. He offers abundant blessings and fellowship if they will only listen to Him and reject idols. However, this verse shifts sharply to God's lament: despite His generous invitation and past faithfulness, Israel refused to obey His voice or commit themselves to Him.
God calls Israel 'my people,' a phrase filled with covenant promise and intimacy. Yet, in this verse, they actively turn away. What does it mean when those closest to God reject Him?
Psalm 81 opens with a call to worship and remembrance of God's faithfulness, especially His deliverance from Egypt. God is speaking directly to Israel, His chosen people, reminding them of their covenant relationship.
A Tender Complaint
When God says, 'But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me,' it's not just a statement of fact; it's a lament. The repetition of 'my people' and 'Israel' emphasizes that this isn't about a foreign nation; it's about those He has claimed and redeemed. Their refusal to listen wasn't a minor oversight; it was a rejection of God Himself, a wilful turning away from His guidance and presence. This highlights the deep pain that disobedience causes in God's relational heart.
The phrase 'Israel would none of me' is a stark rejection. It's more than just not listening; it's actively refusing God's presence and rule. What does this deep-seated refusal look like?
The phrase 'would none of me' (literally, 'willed me not') points to a profound rejection of God's Lordship and offer of relationship. It means they didn't want Him as their God, didn't desire His rule in their lives, and didn't find their satisfaction in Him.
Rejecting the Source of Life
This wasn't merely a preference; it was a deliberate choice to turn away from the only true God, who had just been presented as their Deliverer and Provider ('I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt... open your mouth wide, and I will fill it'). Their 'no' to God meant closing themselves off from His blessings, His guidance, and His presence. It's a choice that leaves one empty and vulnerable, relying on self-made gods or empty counsels.
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Understand the original words
shama' · Hebrew Verb
To hear with attention and obedience; it implies active response to God's revelation rather than just auditory perception.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
A covenant name used for the descendants of Jacob, God’s chosen people, set apart for His purposes and worship.
'abah · Hebrew Verb
To yield, bow, or be compliant; in a biblical context, it signifies surrendering one’s will to divine authority.
This psalm, likely composed during or after the Babylonian exile, reflects on a long history of Israel's repeated refusal to listen to God's voice. The failure to submit to God wasn't an isolated incident but a recurring pattern, culminating in national catastrophe.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God dramatically rescues the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, establishing His covenant with them and giving them His law. This event is foundational to their identity as God's people.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest and Settlement of Canaan
Following a period of wilderness wandering, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, conquer and settle the Promised Land, dividing it among the twelve tribes.
c. 1375–1047 BC
Period of the Judges
A cycle of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance characterizes this era. Israel repeatedly turns away from God, suffers under foreign rule, and cries out for rescue, prompting God to raise up judges to lead them.
c. 1047 BC
Establishment of the Monarchy
Saul is anointed as the first king, followed by David and then Solomon. This marks a significant shift in Israel's governance and national structure.
c. 975 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting its inhabitants and scattering them, effectively ending their existence as a distinct nation.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer the Southern Kingdom of Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, and exile the remaining population. This is a devastating blow, fulfilling prophetic warnings about disobedience.
This passage describes Israel growing fat and turning against God, echoing the sentiment of Psalms 81:11 that Israel rejected God's authority and leading.
Isaiah 1:3Similar to Psalms 81:11, Isaiah laments that even basic recognition of God's provision is lacking, with Israel refusing to listen to their Creator and owner.
Jeremiah 7:23-26This prophetic passage illustrates God's persistent calls to obedience and Israel's stubborn refusal, mirroring the core complaint in Psalms 81:11 that they would not listen to His voice.
Hebrews 12:25This New Testament passage warns believers not to refuse the one speaking from heaven, drawing a direct parallel to the consequences of Israel's refusal to listen to God's voice in the Old Testament, as seen in Psalms 81:11.
pulpitPsalms 81:11: "But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me."
Verse 11. - But my people would not hearken to my voice (comp. Psalm 78:10, 41, 56; 2 Kings 17:14; 2 Chronicles 36:15, 16). And Israel would none of me; literally, would not obey me (see the Prayer book Version).
clarkePsalms 81:11: "But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me."
Israel would none of me - לא אבה לי lo abah li, They willed me not, they would not have me for their God.
What’s easy to miss here is the profound sense of rejection God expresses. "Israel would none of me" isn't just about disobedience; it’s a cry that they refused to accept Him as their God, choosing their own paths and desires over the intimate relationship He offered.
This psalm opens with God inviting Israel to a festival, calling them His people and reminding them of His mighty acts of deliverance from Egypt. He offers abundant blessings and fellowship if they will only listen to Him and reject idols. However, this verse shifts sharply to God's lament: despite His generous invitation and past faithfulness, Israel refused to obey His voice or commit themselves to Him.
This psalm opens with God inviting Israel to a festival, calling them His people and reminding them of His mighty acts of deliverance from Egypt. He offers abundant blessings and fellowship if they will only listen to Him and reject idols. However, this verse shifts sharply to God's lament: despite His generous invitation and past faithfulness, Israel refused to obey His voice or commit themselves to Him.
"“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me." — What’s easy to miss here is the profound sense of rejection God expresses. "Israel would none of me" isn't just about disobedience; it’s a cry that they refused to accept Him as their God, choosing t…
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Last reviewed October 2026