What does Psalms 81:12 mean?
"So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels." - Psalms 81:12
"Psalms 81:12 (KJV) reads: 'So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.'
This verse comes from a Psalm in which the psalmist reflects on the history of Israel and the ways in which God has been faithful to them despite their tendency to turn away from Him. In the preceding verses, the psalmist urges the people of Israel to praise God and attribute their deliverance to Him. He reminds them of God's faithfulness in leading them out of Egypt and providing for their needs in the wilderness.
The verse, Psalms 81:12, is a sobering reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and lack of faith. Throughout their history, the people of Israel demonstrated a pattern of turning away from God and following their own desires and counsel. Despite God's warnings and calls to repentance, they continued to rebel and turn to idolatry. The result was that God "gave them up unto their own hearts' lust" - He allowed them to experience the consequences of their sinful choices.
The phrase "their own hearts' lust" refers to the cravings and desires of their hearts, which were contrary to God's will for them. Instead of seeking after God and His ways, they followed after their own selfish desires and pursued paths that led them away from God. This ultimately resulted in their spiritual and moral downfall.
The phrase "they walked in their own counsels" further emphasizes the people's rejection of God's guidance and wisdom. Instead of seeking God's counsel and obeying His commands, they relied on their own flawed understanding and human wisdom. As a result, they made decisions that were contrary to God's will and led them away from Him.
This verse serves as a warning and a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. It highlights the destructive consequences of following our own desires and counsel instead of humbly submitting to God's will. It also underscores the reality of God's judgment and the consequences of persisting in disobedience.
In a broader theological context, this verse reflects the biblical theme of God's justice and faithfulness. Throughout the Bible, we see that God is faithful to His promises, but He also holds His people accountable for their actions. The Israelites' disobedience led to God allowing them to experience the consequences of their choices, while His faithfulness continued to shine through in His ongoing presence and provision for them.
Symbolically, this verse serves as a cautionary tale for all believers. It reminds us of the dangers of following our own desires and counsel instead of aligning ourselves with God's will. It encourages us to seek God's wisdom and guidance in all areas of our lives and to remain obedient to His commands.
In conclusion, Psalms 81:12 (KJV) serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive consequences of turning away from God and following our own desires and counsel. It calls us to heed God's warnings and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives. It also underscores the themes of God's faithfulness, justice, and the importance of obedience in the believer's walk with God."
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Psalms 81:12 - "So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels."
"So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels." - Psalms 81:12
Psalms 81:2 - "Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery."
"For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob." - Psalms 81:4
"Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery." - Psalms 81:2
Psalms 81:4 - "For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob."
Psalms 81:14 - "I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries."
Psalms 81:9 - "There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god."
Psalms 81:3 - "Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day."
Psalms 119:81 - "My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word."
Psalms 81:11 - "But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me."
"Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob." - Psalms 81:1
"I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries." - Psalms 81:14
Psalms 81:13 - "Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!"
Psalms 81:1 - "Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob."
Psalms 81:6 - "I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots."
Psalms 81:15 - "The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever."
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."
Psalms 81:8 - "Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;"
Psalms 81:16 - "He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee."
Psalms 81:5 - "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."
Psalms 81:10 - "I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it."
"Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;" - Psalms 81:8
"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." - Psalms 81:5
"But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me." - Psalms 81:11
"He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee." - Psalms 81:16
"My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word." - Psalms 119:81
"There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god." - Psalms 81:9
"I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." - Psalms 81:10
"I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots." - Psalms 81:6