Psalms 81:15
The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.
Original Language Analysis
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יְכַֽחֲשׁוּ
should have submitted
H3584
יְכַֽחֲשׁוּ
should have submitted
Strong's:
H3584
Word #:
3 of 7
to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)
וִיהִ֖י
H1961
וִיהִ֖י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
Solomon's reign briefly realized this vision: 'All the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart' (1 Kings 10:24). Foreign kings brought tribute, acknowledging Yahweh's blessing. But Solomon's idolatry (1 Kings 11) shattered this witness, leading to division and decline. The true 'greater than Solomon' (Matthew 12:42) will establish eternal dominion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's failure to be a 'light to the nations' through obedience challenge Christian witness in a watching world?
- What does this 'counterfactual lament' teach about God's genuine desire for His people's blessing, not merely their punishment?
- How will Christ's second coming fulfill the vision of all enemies submitting, willingly or unwillingly, to God's authority?
Analysis & Commentary
The haters of the Lord should have submitted themselves unto him (מְשַׂנְאֵי יְהוָה יְכַחֲשׁוּ־לוֹ)—Yekachashu means 'to cringe, feign obedience' or 'submit in pretense.' If Israel had obeyed (vv. 13-14), even Yahweh's haters would have been forced into grudging submission before victorious Israel, whose God proved supreme. But their time should have endured for ever—Israel's prosperity and dominance would have been perpetual.
This counterfactual lament ('what might have been') appears throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 32:29, Isaiah 48:18, Matthew 23:37). God's original design was for obedient Israel to be such a light to nations that even enemies would acknowledge Yahweh's supremacy (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). Instead, disobedience led to Israel's subjugation. Yet the promise finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ, before whom every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10-11).