Psalms 81:5

This he ordained in Ioseph for a testimonie, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language, that I vnderstood not. Psalms 81:5 (KJV)

This he ordained in Joseph

for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt:

where I heard a language

that

I understood not. Psalms 81:5 (KJV)

Here is a Bible study on Psalm 81:5, using the King James Version (KJV) translation:

Historical Context:

The verse refers to the time when the Israelites, who descended from Joseph, were led out of Egypt by God’s miraculous intervention through Moses. It points to the period of the Exodus when God liberated His people from slavery and established a covenant with them. The verse alludes to events involving Joseph, whose story is recorded in Genesis. Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt but rose to prominence, becoming a key figure in saving his family and the Israelites during a severe famine. The mention of going out through Egypt could refer to the time when Joseph’s descendants eventually settled there, though it does not directly reference Moses or the Exodus, which occurred many generations later.

God’s Ordination:

The verse mentions that God ordained something in Joseph for a testimony. Joseph, the son of Jacob, was sold into slavery in Egypt but eventually rose to a position of power and influence. God used Joseph’s rise to save his family and the Israelites from famine, ultimately leading to their settlement in Egypt. Through Joseph’s story, God demonstrated His faithfulness, providence, and sovereignty. The verse highlights God’s ordination in Joseph’s life as a testimony of His faithfulness and sovereignty, showing how God works through individuals despite trials and challenges, ultimately using him to preserve his family during times of hardship.

Language Barrier:

The verse also states, “where I heard a language that I understood not.” This phrase reflects the psalmist’s experience of encountering unfamiliar customs and practices during the Exodus. The “language” may symbolize the cultural and religious environment of Egypt, which was foreign to God’s people. It emphasizes the cultural and spiritual differences between the Israelites and the Egyptians and serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commandments amidst external influences.

Application:

God’s Divine Plan:

Just as God had a purpose for Joseph and the Israelites, He has a unique plan for each of us. We can trust that God’s ordination in our lives is for a testimony, to reveal His faithfulness and sovereignty.

Faithfulness amidst Cultural Influences:

The Israelites faced challenges in Egypt, but they were called to remain faithful to God, even in a foreign land. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to live in the world but not be conformed to its patterns, striving to maintain our faith and integrity when surrounded by cultural influences that contradict our beliefs.

God Understands Our Struggles:

The mention of a language that was not understood serves as a reminder that God is aware of the difficulties we face. He empathizes with our struggles, and we can turn to Him for guidance and strength.

Testimony of God’s Faithfulness:

The Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt became a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness and intervention. Likewise, when God delivers us