Psalms 81:7
Psalms 81:7 in Multiple Translations
You called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from the cloud of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah
Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder; I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. [Selah
You gave a cry in your trouble, and I made you free; I gave you an answer in the secret place of the thunder; I put you to the test at the waters of Meribah. (Selah.)
In your suffering you cried out to me, and I saved you. I answered you from the thundercloud. I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
Thou calledst in affliction and I deliuered thee, and answered thee in the secret of the thunder: I prooued thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
In distress thou hast called and I deliver thee, I answer thee in the secret place of thunder, I try thee by the waters of Meribah. Selah.
You called in trouble, and I delivered you. I answered you in the secret place of thunder. I tested you at the waters of Meribah.” Selah.
Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
But you like men shall die: and shall fall like one of the princes.
When you were greatly distressed, you called out to me, and I rescued you; I answered you out of a thundercloud. Later I tested whether you would trust me to give you water when you were in the desert at Meribah. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 81:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 81:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲסִיר֣וֹתִי
מִ/סֵּ֣בֶל
שִׁכְמ֑/וֹ
כַּ֝פָּ֗י/ו
מִ/דּ֥וּד
תַּעֲבֹֽרְנָה
הֲסִיר֣וֹתִי
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
מִ/סֵּ֣בֶל
çêbel
H5447
burden
Prep | N-ms
שִׁכְמ֑/וֹ
shᵉkem
H7926
shoulder
N-ms | Suff
כַּ֝פָּ֗י/ו
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
מִ/דּ֥וּד
dûwd
H1731
pot
Prep | N-ms
תַּעֲבֹֽרְנָה
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 81:7
הֲסִיר֣וֹתִי
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מִ/סֵּ֣בֶל
çêbel
H5447
"burden"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a load or burden, either physical or emotional, like the weight of responsibility. It appears in various Bible translations as 'burden' or 'charge'.
Definition: load, burden
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: burden, charge. See also: 1 Kings 11:28; Nehemiah 4:11; Psalms 81:7.
שִׁכְמ֑/וֹ
shᵉkem
H7926
"shoulder"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the shoulder or back, often symbolizing burdens. It is used in Exodus to describe carrying loads and in Genesis to describe the shoulder of a hill.
Definition: 1) shoulder, back 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade 1b) back (in general) Also means: shikh.mah (שִׁכְמָה "shoulder" H7929)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: back, [idiom] consent, portion, shoulder. See also: Genesis 9:23; 1 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 21:13.
כַּ֝פָּ֗י/ו
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
מִ/דּ֥וּד
dûwd
H1731
"pot"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a pot or container, like a kettle or basket, used for boiling or storing things.
Definition: 1) pot, jar, basket, kettle 1a) pot, kettle 1b) basket, jar
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: basket, caldron, kettle, (seething) pot. See also: 1 Samuel 2:14; Job 41:12; Psalms 81:7.
תַּעֲבֹֽרְנָה
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
Study Notes — Psalms 81:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 81:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 81:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 81:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 81:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 81:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 81:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 81:7
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 81:7
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 81:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 81:7
- Sermons on Psalms 81:7
Context — Sing for Joy to God Our Strength
5He ordained it as a testimony for Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt, where I heard an unfamiliar language:
6“I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket.
7You called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from the cloud of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah
8Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me! 9There must be no strange god among you, nor shall you bow to a foreign god.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 19:19 | And as the sound of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder. |
| 2 | Numbers 20:13 | These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them. |
| 3 | Exodus 2:23 | After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. |
| 4 | Psalms 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
| 5 | Psalms 91:14–15 | “Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; because he knows My name, I will protect him. When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. |
| 6 | Exodus 14:10 | As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians marching after them, and they were terrified and cried out to the LORD. |
| 7 | Exodus 14:30–31 | That day the LORD saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the shore. When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses. |
| 8 | Exodus 14:24 | At morning watch, however, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their camp into confusion. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 33:8 | Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. |
| 10 | Exodus 17:2–7 | So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do with these people? A little more and they will stone me!” And the LORD said to Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you. Take along in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” |
Psalms 81:7 Summary
This verse reminds us that when we cry out to God in our troubles, He rescues us, just like He did for the Israelites in the past. God's answer comes from a place of great power, symbolized by the cloud of thunder, showing us that He is mighty and able to help us. As we reflect on God's deliverance, we are called to pause and consider His actions, as indicated by the word 'Selah', and to remember that He tests our faith to strengthen us, as seen in (Deuteronomy 8:2-3) and (James 1:2-4). By looking back at how God has helped us, we can trust Him more in our current struggles and seek to obey Him, as encouraged in (Psalms 119:1-2).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be tested at the waters of Meribah?
The waters of Meribah, as mentioned in Psalms 81:7, refers to a time when the Israelites complained against God and Moses, leading to a test of their faith and obedience, as seen in Exodus 17:1-7 and Numbers 20:1-13, where God provided water from a rock, demonstrating His power and care for His people.
How does God answer us from the cloud of thunder?
God answering from the cloud of thunder, as stated in Psalms 81:7, signifies His mighty and powerful presence, reminiscent of Mount Sinai where He gave the Ten Commandments, as described in Exodus 19:16-19, demonstrating His authority and majesty.
What is the significance of the phrase 'You called out in distress, and I rescued you'?
This phrase, found in Psalms 81:7, highlights God's faithfulness and deliverance, similar to what is written in Psalms 107:6 and 13, where it is said that those who cry out to God in their troubles are rescued and delivered, showcasing God's loving and redeeming nature.
What does the word 'Selah' mean at the end of the verse?
The word 'Selah', as seen in Psalms 81:7, is a Hebrew term that likely means 'pause' or 'rest', indicating a moment to stop and reflect on the preceding statement, much like the instructions in Habakkuk 3:3 and Psalms 3:2, where it is used to emphasize contemplation and meditation on God's words and actions.
Reflection Questions
- How have I experienced God's rescue in times of distress, and how can I apply the lesson of Psalms 81:7 to my current challenges?
- What are the 'waters of Meribah' in my life, where I have been tested and found wanting, and how can I learn from those experiences to trust God more?
- In what ways do I, like the Israelites, complain against God or doubt His provision, and what can I do to cultivate a more grateful and faithful heart?
- How does the image of God answering from the cloud of thunder impact my understanding of His power and presence in my life, and how can I apply that to my prayers and worship?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 81:7
Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee,.... That is, when Israel were in trouble in Egypt, as the Targum adds, and they cried unto the Lord in their distress, he heard them, and answered
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 81:7
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. -The deliverance described on which God's claim on Israel and Israel's duty are founded.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 81:7
Thou calledst in trouble; at the Red Sea, . In the secret place of thunder; from the dark and cloudy pillar, whence I thundered and fought against the Egyptians. See 14:19,24. Others refer this to the thunder at Sinai. But at that time they were not in trouble, but in a safe and glorious condition.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 81:7
Psalms 81:7 Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.Ver. 7. Thou calledst in trouble] Their trouble called, though themselves had been silent. I have seen, I have seen the afflictions of my people, &c., but they cried to the Lord at the Red Sea, Exodus 14:10; Exodus 14:15, and were delivered. I answered thee in the secret place of thunder] i.e. In the pillar of cloud that stood between the two armies, and thundered against the Egyptians, Exodus 14:24; confer Lamentations 3:44. I proved thee at the waters of Meribah] When thou hadst but newly foot out of snare, and yet there and then thou showedst thyself. O thine ungratefulness, &c. This hath been thy manner from thy youth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 81:7
(7) Thou calledst.—The recital of God’s past dealings with the people usual at the Feast of the Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 31:10-13; Nehemiah 8:18) appears to follow here as if the feast were actually in progress and the crowd were listening to the psalmist. I answered thee in the secret place of thunder.—Mr. Burgess is undoubtedly right in taking the verb as from ânan, “to cover,” instead of ânah, “to answer.” I sheltered thee in the thundercloud, with plain allusion to the “cloudy pillar.” The same verb is used in Psalms 105:39, “He spread out the cloud for a covering.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 81:7
Verse 7. Thou calledst in trouble] They had cried by reason of their burdens, and the cruelty of their task-masters; and God heard that cry, and delivered them. See Exodus 3:7, c. In the secret place of thunder] On Mount Sinai where God was heard, but not seen. They heard a voice, but they saw no shape. At the waters of Meribah.] See this transaction, Exodus 17:1, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 81:7
7. From the divine decree for Israel’s liberation the transition to an address to Israel is easy. Israel of the present is regarded as one with Israel of the past. Thou calledst &c.] For the phrase cp. Psalms 50:15; and for the fact, Exodus 2:23 ff. in the secret place of thunder] In the covert of the thunder-cloud God conceals and reveals Himself (Psalms 18:11; Psalms 18:13; Psalms 77:17 ff.). At the passage of the Red Sea, when Israel was sore afraid and cried out unto Jehovah, He “looked forth upon the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and discomfited the host of the Egyptians” (Exodus 14:10; Exodus 14:24). I proved thee at the waters of Meribah] Testing thy faith and obedience. The name Meribah or Strife was a reminder of repeated unbelief and ingratitude (Exodus 17:7; Numbers 20:13; Psalms 78:20); of the long ‘controversy’ (Micah 6:2) of a long-suffering God with an obstinate people. It is possible that the reference to this miracle in particular was suggested by the libations of water at the Feast of Tabernacles, which commemorated the supply of water in the wilderness.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 81:7
Thou calledst in trouble - The people of Israel. Exodus 2:23; Exodus 3:9; Exodus 14:10. And I delivered thee - I brought the people out of Egypt.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 81:7
7. Secret place of thunder—That is, the recesses of Sinai, at this time the mysterious seat of divinity. See the fundamental passage, Exodus 19:19.
Sermons on Psalms 81:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Answers From the Secret Place of Thunder by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Psalms 81 emphasizes the power and presence of God in the lives of believers, urging them to remember God's faithfulness and the secret place of thunder where God |
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The Awful Presence of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to turn their attention towards God and His message. He uses the story of Moses and the burning bush as an example |
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(Exodus) Exodus 19:9-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the giving of the law on Mount Sinai. He emphasizes that it was a terrifying event, not a beautiful one. The people were warned not to approac |
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The Seventh Seal and the Beginning of the Trumpets by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the opening of the seventh seal in Revelation, signifying the beginning of the prophetic judgments of God. The seventh seal encompasses the subsequent |
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How God Shows Himself as Holy-1 by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon delves into the concept of holiness and how God reveals His holiness to us through trials and afflictions. It emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call to h |
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Heaven: Its Hope by D.L. Moody | The preacher delves into the concept of hostility, describing it as a word spoken against or defiance against authority, often involving strife and enmity. The term 'antilogia' is |
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(Hebrews - Part 37): Faith Is a Pertubing Thing by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a moral rebound. He talks about his own past of indulging in drinking and reckless behavior, even on Christmas Eve. Howev |