Psalms 81:12
“So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.”
Context:Before diving into verse 12, it’s essential to understand the context of Psalm 81This psalm was written by Asaph, one of David’s chief musicians, and it focuses on God’s faithfulness to the Israelites and their disobedience to Him throughout their history. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and the consequences of rebellion against God.
The condition of Israel:The verse begins with God’s declaration, “So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust.” This statement highlights God’s response to the disobedience of the Israelites. It signifies that God allowed them to follow their own desires, even though it led them away from Him. God gave them over to their sinful desires and let them face the consequences of their actions.
Walking in their own counsels:The verse continues, stating that “they walked in their own counsels.” This phrase implies that the Israelites chose to rely on their own wisdom and human understanding rather than seeking God’s guidance and following His commands. Instead of trusting in God’s direction, they followed their own advice, which eventually led them astray.
Lessons for us:Psalm 81:12 serves as a warning and a lesson for believers today. It reminds us of the dangers of following our own desires and relying on our own understanding without seeking God’s will. It shows that when we reject God’s counsel and choose to walk in our own ways, we can drift away from His plan for our lives, leading to detrimental consequences.
Obedience and trust:To avoid the same pitfalls as the Israelites, we should strive for obedience to God’s Word and trust in His guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not to lean on our understanding but to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.
God’s faithfulness:Despite the Israelites’ disobedience, Psalm 81 also highlights God’s faithfulness throughout their history. In the following verses, God reminds them of His deliverance and provision, urging them to return to Him. This demonstrates that even when we stray, God is always ready to receive us back into His loving arms if we repent and turn to Him.
