Psalm 81: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 81 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist calls the people to worship God with joy and music (vv. 1-3). They are to sing, shout, and bring instruments on their feast day. This is a statute for Israel, set by God.

Key verse

“I am Yahweh, your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.”
Psalms 81:10 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 81:1–3 Call to Worship and Joyful Celebration
Psalm 81:4–7 Remembrance of God's Deliverance
Psalm 81:8–12 A Call to Listen and Obey
Psalm 81:13–15 God's Desire for Obedience and Protection
Psalm 81:16 Promise of Blessing

Discussion questions

In v3, what specific times does the psalm instruct the people to blow the trumpet?
What does God say He did for Israel in v7 when they called in trouble?
The phrase 'I removed his shoulder from the burden' in v6: what deeper meaning could it have for Israel's experience?
In v12, why does God allow Israel to follow the 'stubbornness of their hearts'?
When have you felt God urging you to 'open your mouth wide' (v10) but struggled to listen?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 81: Isaiah 44, Exodus 20, Hebrews 3.

Before next time: read Psalm 82.