Psalms 81:11-12
“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights a crucial distinction: "my people" didn't listen, but it was "Israel" that refused to have God. This implies a deeper rejection than just disobedience; it suggests a refusal to truly embrace Him as their God and find their identity in Him.
This passage comes at the end of a psalm that began with God calling Israel to worship him, reminding them of their history of deliverance and prosperity when they obeyed. Now, God laments their persistent disobedience and refusal to acknowledge him as their sole God, highlighting their stubbornness and rejection of his will. This sets the stage for his sorrowful conclusion that because they wouldn't listen, he would let them go their own way.
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.
sherirut · Hebrew Noun
A metaphorical description of moral or spiritual hardness; it indicates a will that refuses to be molded by God, choosing self-will over divine guidance.
The lament in Psalm 81:11 echoes the consistent pattern throughout Israel's history: God's faithfulness met by His people's repeated refusal to listen and submit, culminating in devastating consequences like the Babylonian exile.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God dramatically delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under Moses. This event establishes His covenant relationship with them, marked by miraculous interventions.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Following Moses' death, Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, dividing it among the twelve tribes. This fulfills God's promise to Abraham but also presents new challenges of faithfulness.
c. 1400-1050 BC
Period of the Judges
A recurring cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance characterizes this era. Israel repeatedly turns away from God, leading to cycles of hardship.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy (Saul, David, Solomon)
Israel experiences a period of national unity and strength under its kings. However, even David and Solomon exhibit moral failings that impact the nation.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 81:11, describing Israel as knowing their owner and a donkey recognizing its master's manger, yet still refusing to acknowledge or obey God.
Jeremiah 7:23-24Here, God directly states His command to obey His voice and walk in His ways, lamenting that Israel would not listen or pay attention, which directly parallels the disobedience in Psalm 81:11.
John 1:11This verse highlights the tragedy of Jesus coming to His own people, but His own people did not receive Him, mirroring the rejection of God's voice and presence described in Psalm 81:11.
Hebrews 3:7-8The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 95 to warn against hardening hearts, referencing the Israelites' rebellion in the wilderness, which directly connects to the theme of not listening to God's voice found in Psalm 81:11.
Romans 10:21Quoting Isaiah, this verse speaks of God stretching out His hands to a rebellious and disobedient people who walk contrary to Him, amplifying the divine sorrow over Israel's refusal to listen in Psalm 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.
The verse highlights a crucial distinction: "my people" didn't listen, but it was "Israel" that refused to have God. This implies a deeper rejection than just disobedience; it suggests a refusal to truly embrace Him as their God and find their identity in Him.
This passage comes at the end of a psalm that began with God calling Israel to worship him, reminding them of their history of deliverance and prosperity when they obeyed. Now, God laments their persistent disobedience and refusal to acknowledge him as their sole God, highlighting their stubbornness and rejection of his will. This sets the stage for his sorrowful conclusion that because they wouldn't listen, he would let them go their own way.
This passage comes at the end of a psalm that began with God calling Israel to worship him, reminding them of their history of deliverance and prosperity when they obeyed. Now, God laments their persistent disobedience and refusal to acknowledge him as their sole God, highlighting their stubbornness and rejection of his will. This sets the stage for his sorrowful conclusion that because they wouldn't listen, he would let them go their own way.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 81:11-12 is available in the Sola app.
etsah · Hebrew Noun
Plans, schemes, or purposes devised by humans; often used in Scripture to contrast human limited wisdom with divine sovereignty.
c. 931 BC
Divided Kingdom
Following Solomon's reign, the united kingdom splits into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah, often engaging in conflict and idolatry.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting its inhabitants. This serves as a stark warning to Judah about the consequences of persistent disobedience.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population of Judah. This is the historical backdrop for many of the Psalms' laments and calls for repentance.
"“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels." — The verse highlights a crucial distinction: "my people" didn't listen, but it was "Israel" that refused to have God. This implies a deeper rejection than just disobedience; it suggests a refusal to t…
