Psalms 81:11

81:11 But my people did not obey me;

Israel did not submit to me.

Psalms 81:13

81:13 If only my people would obey me!

If only Israel would keep my commands!


tn Heb “did not listen to my voice.”

tn The Hebrew expression אָבָה לִי (’avah liy) means “submit to me” (see Deut 13:8).

tn Heb “if only my people were listening to me.” The Hebrew particle לוּ (lu, “if not”) introduces a purely hypothetical or contrary to fact condition (see 2 Sam 18:12).

tn Heb “[and if only] Israel would walk in my ways.”