Definition: Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down Psalm 81:7 – it’s a really beautiful and profound verse! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s protection and care for us, especially when we're facing difficult times. It’s a message of reassurance and a testament to God’s unwavering love. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee” : This is the core of the verse. “Thou” refers to God. "Called in trouble" means He recognized or anticipated something difficult for us – a challenge, a hardship, or a setback. Then, "I delivered thee" means He helped us overcome it. “I answered thee in the secret place of thunder” : This is a bit more figurative. “The secret place of thunder” isn’t literal thunder. It’s a metaphor for a time when God is working behind the scenes, quietly and powerfully, to help us. It suggests He's using our struggles to grow us into something stronger. “I proved thee at the waters of Meribah” : “Meribah” is a place in the Bible – it’s often associated with a spring or river. "Proved thee" means He tested or challenged us, showing us our strength and resilience. “Selah” : This word is really important! It's a pause or breath within the verse. It suggests that God’s presence isn’t just about immediate action but also about a continuing, comforting, and watchful relationship. It’s like saying, "Even though I’m working in the background, I’m always here for you." Overall Meaning: The verse conveys that God is constantly watching over us, even when we're struggling. He doesn’t just react to our problems; He actively works to help us through them and grow us into better people. It emphasizes His unwavering love, protection, and care. In essence, it’s a message of hope – that God is with us, even in the midst of difficulty, and He's working for our good. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Psalm 81? Discuss the meaning of specific words or concepts within the verse?