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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 81:8 Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/81-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/19_Psa_081_008.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 81:8 - Sing for Joy to God, Our Strength" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/81-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/81-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/81.htm">Chapter 81</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/81-7.htm" title="Psalm 81:7">◄</a> Psalm 81:8 <a href="/psalms/81-9.htm" title="Psalm 81:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/81.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/81.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Hear me, my people, and I will warn you— if you would only listen to me, Israel!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/81.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings. O Israel, if you would only listen to me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/81.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, if you would but listen to me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/81.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/81.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/81.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/81.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Hear, My people, and I will admonish you; Israel, if you would listen to Me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/81.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you; O Israel, if you would listen to Me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/81.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you; O Israel, if you would listen to Me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/81.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Hear, O My people, and I will testify against you; O Israel, if you would listen to Me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/81.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you— O Israel, if you would listen to Me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/81.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Listen, my people, and I will admonish you. Israel, if you would only listen to me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/81.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Listen, My people, and I will admonish you. Israel, if you would only listen to Me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/81.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wouldest hearken unto me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/81.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Listen, my people, while I, the Lord, correct you! Israel, if you would only pay attention to me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/81.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wouldest hearken unto me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/81.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Listen, my people, and I will warn you. Israel, if you would only listen to me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/81.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Listen, my people, to my warning; Israel, how I wish you would listen to me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/81.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Listen, My people and I will warn you. Israel, if only you would obey me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/81.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/81.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I said, 'Listen, my people! I will warn you! O Israel, if only you would obey me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/81.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Hear, my people, and I will testify to you, Israel, if you would listen to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/81.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Hear, O my people, and I will testify to thee; O Israel, if thou wilt hearken to me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/81.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Hear, my people, and I will testify to you, Israel, if you would listen to me! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/81.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Hear, O My people, and I testify to you, "" O Israel, if you listen to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/81.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Hear, O My people, and I testify to thee, O Israel, if thou dost hearken to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/81.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Hear, O my people, and I will testify in thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hear to me;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/81.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Hear, O my people, and I will testify to thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken to me, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/81.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 80:9>My people, listen and I will call you to testify. If, O Israel, you will pay heed to me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/81.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />‘Listen, my people, I will testify against you <i>Selah</i> If only you will listen to me, Israel! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/81.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Hear, O my people, while I admonish you; O Israel, if you would but listen to me!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/81.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify about you. If you will listen to me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/81.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Hear my people and I shall speak, and Israel, I shall testify of you if you will hear me.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/81.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Hear, O My people, and I will admonish thee: O Israel, if thou wouldest hearken unto Me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/81.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Hear, my people, and I will speak to thee, O Israel; and I will testify to thee: if thou wilt hearken to me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/81-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=10264" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/81.htm">Sing for Joy to God, Our Strength</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>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 <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šə·ma‘ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">Hear,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">O My people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5749.htm" title="5749: wə·’ā·‘î·ḏāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- A primitive root; to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify; intensively, to encompass, restore.">and I will warn</a> <a href="/hebrew/bāḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">you:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">O Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if only</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: tiš·ma‘- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">you would listen</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to Me!</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>There must be no strange god among you, nor shall you bow to a foreign god.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a></span><br />You shall have no other gods before Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-7.htm">Deuteronomy 5:7</a></span><br />You shall have no other gods before Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18</a></span><br />If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-23.htm">Jeremiah 7:23</a></span><br />but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-4.htm">Hosea 13:4</a></span><br />Yet I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, for there is no Savior besides Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a></span><br />Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-35.htm">2 Kings 17:35</a></span><br />For the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites and commanded them, “Do not worship other gods or bow down to them; do not serve them or sacrifice to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a></span><br />Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/11-4.htm">Jeremiah 11:4</a></span><br />which I commanded your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey Me, and do everything I command you, and you will be My people, and I will be your God.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-19.htm">Ezekiel 20:19</a></span><br />I am the LORD your God; walk in My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-10.htm">Matthew 4:10</a></span><br />“Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-29.htm">Mark 12:29-30</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. / Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27</a></span><br />My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a></span><br />Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/3-7.htm">Hebrews 3:7-8</a></span><br />Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, / do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Hear, O my people, and I will testify to you: O Israel, if you will listen to me;</p><p class="hdg">hear</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-7.htm">Psalm 50:7</a></b></br> Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I <i>am</i> God, <i>even</i> thy God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-46.htm">Deuteronomy 32:46</a></b></br> And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3,4</a></b></br> Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, <i>even</i> the sure mercies of David… </p><p class="hdg">if thou wilt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/81-13.htm">Psalm 81:13</a></b></br> Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, <i>and</i> Israel had walked in my ways!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-26.htm">Exodus 15:26</a></b></br> And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I <i>am</i> the LORD that healeth thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-27.htm">Deuteronomy 5:27</a></b></br> Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear <i>it</i>, and do <i>it</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/24-14.htm">Admonish</a> <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/81-5.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/66-16.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/psalms/81-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/psalms/50-7.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-30.htm">Warn</a> <a href="/psalms/80-4.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/psalms/78-10.htm">Word</a> <a href="/psalms/7-9.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/lamentations/2-13.htm">Admonish</a> <a href="/psalms/81-11.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/psalms/84-8.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/81-11.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/psalms/81-11.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-28.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-16.htm">Warn</a> <a href="/psalms/82-8.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/psalms/89-34.htm">Word</a> <a href="/psalms/139-19.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 81</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/81-1.htm">An exhortation to a solemn praising of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/81-4.htm">God challenges that duty by reason of his benefits</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/81-8.htm">God, exhorting to obedience, complains of their disobedience, which proves their own hurt.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the biblical context, God often addresses Israel as "My people," highlighting the covenant relationship established at Sinai (<a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5-6</a>). The act of hearing is not just auditory but involves obedience and response. The warning implies a prophetic message, urging the people to heed God's instructions to avoid consequences. This echoes the Shema in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4</a>, where Israel is called to hear and obey the Lord as the one true God.<p><b>O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!</b><br>This lament expresses God's desire for His people to listen and follow His ways. Historically, Israel struggled with idolatry and disobedience, leading to periods of judgment and exile. The plea for listening is a recurring theme in the prophets, such as in <a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a>, where God invites His people to listen and live. The conditional "if only" suggests a missed opportunity for blessing and protection. This reflects the heart of God, who desires relationship and obedience, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who calls His followers to hear His voice (<a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The speaker in this verse, calling His people to listen and heed His warnings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, addressed directly in this verse, representing the community of believers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/psalmist.htm">Psalmist</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed to Asaph, who conveys God's message to the people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/warnings.htm">Warnings</a></b><br>The admonitions and guidance God provides to His people for their well-being.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/listening.htm">Listening</a></b><br>The act of heeding God's voice, which is central to the relationship between God and His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_listening_to_god.htm">The Importance of Listening to God</a></b><br>Listening to God is foundational to a faithful relationship with Him. It requires intentionality and openness to His guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_ignoring_god's_warnings.htm">The Consequences of Ignoring God's Warnings</a></b><br>Ignoring God's warnings can lead to spiritual and physical consequences. Reflect on past experiences where ignoring divine guidance led to challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_obedience_in_faith.htm">The Role of Obedience in Faith</a></b><br>True listening involves obedience. Faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_desire_for_a_relationship_with_his_people.htm">God's Desire for a Relationship with His People</a></b><br>God calls His people to listen because He desires a close, personal relationship with them. This relationship is nurtured through communication and obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance_and_renewal.htm">The Call to Repentance and Renewal</a></b><br>Listening to God often involves repentance and a commitment to change. Embrace opportunities for spiritual renewal by heeding His voice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_81.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 81</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_'beginning_of_sorrows'.htm">Why did God abandon them?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_'one_god'_with_other_'gods'.htm">If, according to 1 Corinthians 8:6, there is only 'one God,' how do we reconcile this with other passages where divine beings or 'gods' are mentioned (e.g., Psalm 82)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_david's_faith_with_history.htm">How do we reconcile David's confidence in divine intervention (Psalm 5:3, 8) with known historical conflicts where God's protection was not apparent?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_exodus_15_2_describe_god.htm">What does 'forget not His benefits' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/81.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">Hear, O my people.</span>--The Divine voice here repeats the warnings so frequently uttered during the desert-wandering.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/81.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Hear, O my people</span> (comp. vers. 11, 13). Israel is still "God's people," however rebellious (vers. 11, 12). God has not yet given them up. <span class="cmt_word">And I will testify unto thee</span>; or, "<span class="accented">protest</span> unto thee" (Kay, Cheyne). <span class="cmt_word">O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;</span> or, "if thou wouldst but hearken unto me!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/81-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Hear,</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמַ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ma‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O My people,</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֭מִּי</span> <span class="translit">(‘am·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and I will warn you:</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָעִ֣ידָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·‘î·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5749.htm">Strong's 5749: </a> </span><span class="str2">To duplicate, repeat, to protest, testify, to encompass, restore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִ֝שְׂרָאֵ֗ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if only</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you would listen</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּֽשְׁמַֽע־</span> <span class="translit">(tiš·ma‘-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Me!</span><br /><span class="heb">לִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/81-8.htm">Psalm 81:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/81-8.htm">Psalm 81:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/81-8.htm">Psalm 81:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/81-8.htm">Psalm 81:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/81-8.htm">Psalm 81:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/81-8.htm">Psalm 81:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/81-8.htm">Psalm 81:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/81-8.htm">Psalm 81:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/81-8.htm">Psalm 81:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/81-8.htm">Psalm 81:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/81-8.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 81:8 Hear my people and I will testify (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/81-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 81:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 81:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/81-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 81:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 81:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>