Psalms 81:13
Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!
Original Language Analysis
ל֗וּ
Oh
H3863
ל֗וּ
Oh
Strong's:
H3863
Word #:
1 of 7
a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!
עַ֭מִּי
that my people
H5971
עַ֭מִּי
that my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
שֹׁמֵ֣עַֽ
had hearkened
H8085
שֹׁמֵ֣עַֽ
had hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יִ֝שְׂרָאֵ֗ל
unto me and Israel
H3478
יִ֝שְׂרָאֵ֗ל
unto me and Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 7
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Isaiah 48:18O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:Deuteronomy 5:29O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
Historical Context
This echoes the tragic pattern throughout Judges and Kings: Israel repeatedly rejected God's ways, pursuing idolatry and alliances with pagan nations. Deuteronomy 5:29 records similar divine longing after giving the Ten Commandments. Jesus wept over Jerusalem with similar pathos (Luke 19:41-44).
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's expressed desire for obedience reveal about His character and your relationship with Him?
- In what areas of life are you walking in your own ways rather than God's, and what are the consequences?
- How does Christ fulfill perfect obedience on behalf of His people, and how does His Spirit enable us to walk in God's ways?
Analysis & Commentary
God laments Israel's stubbornness: "Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!" (Hebrew lu ammi shome'a li Yisra'el bid-rakai yehaleku). The interjection "Oh that" (Hebrew lu) expresses divine pathos—God's genuine desire for His people's obedience, not for His benefit but theirs. "Hearkened" (Hebrew shama) means more than hearing; it indicates responsive obedience. "Walked in my ways" pictures ongoing life conduct aligned with God's revealed will. The verse reveals that covenant disobedience grieves God and harms His people.