Psalm 81:13-16 Oh that my people had listened to me, and Israel had walked in my ways! These verses tell what Israel missed, but might have had. And they are written for our learning. Note - I. WHAT GOD WAS PREPARED TO DO FOR THEM. 1. Subdue their enemies. 2. Discomfit their adversaries. 3. Conversions should have been numerous. 4. Eternal life should have been theirs. 5. And fulness of joy. And in reference to men now: God waits to be gracious and to do all for them that corresponds to the blessings told of here. II. BUT NONE OF THIS CAME TO PASS; ONLY THE VERY OPPOSITE. In their character, conduct, and condition, things went from bad to worse. Enemies not subdued; their adversaries became stronger; sin rampant; their days few and evil; want and misery in their dwellings. III. HOW SUCH RESULT CAME ABOUT. 1. It was not God's will. Cf. the tears of Christ over Jerusalem. "How often would I have gathered thee," etc.! 2. But it was Israel's own fault. (Vers. 11, 12.) Thus it ever is. IV. THE SORROW OF IT ALL. God dishonoured; the Holy Spirit grieved; their children and their neighbours led astray; themselves given up of God; and all this need not have been. Dread the doom of such. - S.C. Parallel Verses KJV: Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!WEB: Oh that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! |
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