Psalms 81:12 (KJV)

What does Psalms 81:12 mean?

Psalms 81:12 describes how God allowed the people of Israel to follow their own stubborn desires and make decisions based on their own thinking, rather than guiding them. The verse shows that God let them experience the consequences of choosing their own way over listening to Him.

In this psalm, God is speaking through the psalmist Asaph to the people of Israel, recalling how they repeatedly ignored His guidance. The situation is one where the people have chosen their own path instead of obeying God, and as a result, God "gave them up" to what their own hearts wanted. This verse highlights the seriousness of turning away from God's direction and relying only on human judgment.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 81:12

• "up" (שָׁלַח, shalach): This word means "to send" or "to let go." Here, it carries the sense of God releasing the people to their own choices, no longer restraining them.
• "hearts'" (לֵב, lev): This refers to the inner self or will. The focus is on the deep desires and inclinations of the people, not just fleeting feelings.
• "lust" (שְׁרִרוּת, sherirut): This word is often understood as "stubbornness" or "obstinacy," not just physical desire. It points to a determined, self-willed attitude.
• "walked" (יָלַךְ, halakh): This means "to go" or "to walk." In this context, it describes living according to their own decisions and direction.
• "counsels" (מוֹעֵצָה, mo'etsah): This word means "plans" or "advice." It emphasizes that the people were following their own ideas rather than God's wisdom.

Why Psalms 81:12 matters

• Psalms 81:12 clarifies that God does not force people to obey; He sometimes allows them to experience the results of their own stubborn choices.
• The verse highlights the danger of following only human reasoning and desires, showing that this can lead people away from God's best for them.
• In the wider context of the psalm, this verse serves as a warning and a call to listen to God's voice rather than relying on self-made plans.