Definition: Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, [and] Israel had walked in my ways!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 81:13 – it’s a really beautiful and important verse! Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we, as humans, need to listen to God. It expresses a longing for a closer relationship with God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Oh that my people had hearkened unto me…” This means “Oh, if only our people had listened to me!” "Hearken" is a good word here – it suggests listening attentively and carefully. “[and] Israel had walked in my ways” This is the core of the verse. "Israel" refers to the Jewish people - specifically, the nation of Israel. “Walked in my ways” means lived in accordance with God’s will, meaning they followed His principles and rules. So, what does it mean practically? It's a plea for obedience and faithfulness . It’s asking us to: Listen to God: To pay attention to what He wants us to do. Follow His will: To live in a way that honors Him and is pleasing to Him. Be righteous: To act righteously, to do good, and to avoid wrongdoing. In essence, the verse encourages us to be mindful of God’s guidance and to strive to live a life that reflects His love and goodness. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a reminder that we all need God's help to live a good life. It speaks to our responsibility to follow His leading in all aspects of our lives – our decisions, our actions, and how we treat others. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some examples of how this verse might be applied in everyday life?