Psalms 81:15
The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.
Psalms 81:15
This verse speaks about the “haters of the LORD” and their submission—or lack thereof. The surrounding psalm speaks to the resistance of those who oppose God and persist in rebellion. The phrase “should have submitted themselves unto him” envisions a future in which opposition yields to obedience and alignment with divine rule. The psalmist uses prophetic language that can point beyond Israel to a broader eschatological hope where the rebellious are brought to account. The second half, “but their time should have endured for ever,” conveys a paradox: human rebellion has a temporary power, but God’s lasting rule invites all to align with His eternal kingdom. The tension between present hardness and possible future repentance marks much of biblical prophecy, where mercy and justice meet in the call to turn.
This verse centers on divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It asserts that opposition to God is not ultimate; there is a divine timetable in which judgment and mercy intersect. The notion that rebellious powers “should have submitted” reveals God’s expectation that all creation will honor its Creator. Yet the statement about “their time” enduring forever hints at the human tendency to persist in resistance; the divine patience is overruled by the seriousness of rebellion. The verse thus contributes to biblical themes of judgment and grace, where divine kingship is acknowledged not by force alone but by willing submission, which leads to real peace and flourishing.
For contemporary readers, this verse invites examination of personal and social allegiances. Are there loyalties in your life—career ambitions, cultural idols, petty prejudices—that resist God’s lordship? Consider practical steps to submit: confess areas of rebellion, seek reconciliation, and reorient priorities around God’s righteousness. In leadership or public life, the verse can serve as a reminder that enduring authority rests on humility and service, not domination. It also offers hope for those who feel opposed by power structures: response with patience and integrity, trusting that ultimate timing belongs to God and that denial of self-assertion can lead to greater alignment with truth and justice.
Cross-References: Psalm 2:10-12; Isaiah 26:10-11; Daniel 4:34-35; Philippians 2:9-11