Psalms 81-85

Psalms 81

This Psalm was authored by Asaph or dictated to him by David. It is directed to be accompanied by the gittith, a stringed instrument brought from Gath by David.

This Psalm calls Israel to rejoice, strike up the band.
He continues with repeated instruction to join in the fun.
This is the day to howl at the moon.
Asaph cites the victories of Israel and the triumphs of God.

In vs. 6 Asaph hears a voice claiming He had removed the burdens from Israel, He freed their hands.

He had answered their cries, but they would not obey.
I brought you out of Egypt. 
I am the Lord your God.
My people would not listen to me.
So I let them have their own way.

How quickly I would deal with their enemies and turn their foes.
I would feed them with the finest wheat and satisfy them with honey from the rock.

The land would be productive and even the rocks would provide a place for beehives. 

I am a Christian, so I read this as related to Jesus. He said, "I am the Bread of Life, so to me, wheat is code for bread. Honey from the rock means Jesus is the Rock and he represents honey, nourishment, sweet and tasty.

Psalms 82  

Psalms 82 is a severe criticism of human judicial systems. Asaph takes judges to task for their favoritism of the wicked and unjust. He portrays the judges as "gods,"  but they do not honor the law. They seek favor from those who hold power over the fatherless, the weak and needy. These "gods" know nothing; they are without understanding.

These are still mortals who will die like every other human. He calls God to rise up and judge the earth and these men who have corrupted the righteousness of God will share in the judgment.

Psalms 83

In Psalms 83, Asaph calls God to defend Israel against her foes. He lists the nations that surround Israel and names foes from her history as an illustration of the need for resistance. Sisera was the commander of Jabin's forces.  He met Israel's army in the Kishon Valley and was defeated by Barak when Deborah was Judge of Israel. Sisera died at the hand of Jael when he entered her tent demanding help.

He prays for God to make them like chaff before the wind. Leave them disgraced and ashamed before God. Let them know that you are the Lord, the Most High over all the earth.

Psalms 84

This is a Psalms of the Sons of Korah. Korah was a grandson of Kolath. Kolath had been a conspirator in a rebellion against Moses. He was punished for his unbelief. (See Numbers 16) Korah mentioned here is a descendant of Korah who died as a result of his disbelief. There are three sons of Korah who were commissioned by David to be custodians of the Tabernacle.

In this Psalm, there is abundant evidence of reverence toward God and faith in His presence and protection. 

Read it and renew your faith.

Psalms 85

Psalms 85 from the Sons of Korah.

This psalm cites Korah's faith in the provision of God for the people of Israel. He calls on God for the needs of the people and sometimes for his personal faith. He speaks to God about their needs and pleads for God to guide them into righteousness so they do not fall into sin.

He claims unity between love and faithfulness, and, similarly between, peace and righteousness. When we practice one, the other is the expected result.

He calls us to live in accordance with God's plan and not turn to folly that his peace will live in our land.