It is supposed that this psalm was composed for use at the great Hebrew festivals and especially at the Passover, which is referred to in Psalms 81:5-7; Psalms 81:10. See also 2 Chronicles 30:21. Let us remember to celebrate the redemption of the Cross, where our Paschal Lamb was sacrificed. We must celebrate, here and hereafter, the love that rescued us from the burden and the basket, at Sinai and Meribah. Baskets have been found in the sepulchral vaults at Thebes, and were doubtless used for carrying the clay or the manufactured bricks. They are symbols of the drudgery and slavery of sin, when we served a hard taskmaster, whose wages is death.
If we are in trouble, let us quote Psalms 81:7, call on God, and reckon on His delivering helpfulness. He will answer from "his thunder-covert." He comes out of His secret place. Especially when the thunder of a broken law is in our ears, let us hasten to the Redeemer, who has fulfilled the law in our stead. Let us maintain by faith our standing in Him; then we shall be as they who look down from the high mountains on the thunder-storm at our feet. [source]
Chapter Summary: Psalms 81
1An exhortation to a solemn praising of God 4God challenges that duty by reason of his benefits 8God, exhorting to obedience, complains of their disobedience, which proves their own hurt