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Psalm 81:14

I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn my hand against their adversaries.

12So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts, that they might walk in their own counsels.
13Oh that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!
14I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn my hand against their adversaries.
15The haters of the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever.
16But he would have also fed them with the finest of the wheat. I will satisfy you with honey out of the rock.”
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Notice

“soon” sharpens the sadness of God’s words: he speaks of enemies he would subdue for Israel, while the surrounding lines describe his people refusing to listen.

Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.

How does God’s longing for Israel to listen shape your reading of his promise to subdue their enemies?

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What expectations about God’s timing does the word “soon” bring to the surface for you?

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Connect

Where else Scripture says this

8 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.

This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
Judges 2:20–23The LORD’s anger burned against Israel; and he said, “Because this nation transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and has not listened to my …Both passages address Israel’s failure to listen to God, with Judges naming his anger and the psalm describing help they have forfeited.
Amos 1:8I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him who holds the scepter from Ashkelon; and I will turn my hand against Ekron; and the remnant of the …Both describe God turning his hand against opponents; Amos names Ekron and declares the destruction of the Philistine remnant.
Joshua 23:13know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no longer drive these nations from out of your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap to you, a scourge …Both concern God’s action against nations opposing Israel: the psalm describes subduing them, while Joshua warns that he will cease driving them out.
Psalm 47:3He subdues nations under us, and peoples under our feet.Both name God as the one who subdues peoples, placing Israel’s victory under his power.
Numbers 14:9Only don’t rebel against the LORD, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us. Their defense is removed from over them, and the LORD is …Both connect Israel’s response to God with facing enemies: the psalm urges listening, while Numbers warns against rebellion and fear.
Numbers 14:45Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites who lived in that mountain, and struck them and beat them down even to Hormah.Both concern Israel facing enemies; the psalm speaks of God subduing them, while Numbers records Israel’s defeat.
Judges 4:23So God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel on that day.Both attribute the subduing of Israel’s enemies to God; Judges names Jabin as the king God subdued.
Zechariah 13:7“Awake, sword, against my shepherd, and against the man who is close to me,” says the LORD of Armies. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; …Both use God’s hand turned against others, though the psalm names Israel’s adversaries and Zechariah names the little ones.
Where this verse fits

Fear for the future. sermon or Bible study notes.

What the Bible says about fear →
One step

Something small to carry out of this verse

Read Psalm 81:12–14 and mark what God would do

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Encouragement

Israel’s enemies are within God’s power to subdue. His words expose the cost of refusing to listen, while showing his desire for his people to walk in his ways.

Now put it in your words.

Start an entry on Psalm 81:14. Write what it stirs. Psalmlog sets your words beside Scripture and gives you one next step. Your first entry is free, no account needed.

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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).