Psalms 81:7

From the divine decree for Israel's liberation the transition to an address to Israel is easy. Israel of the present is regarded as one with Israel of the past.

Thou calledst&c. For the phrase cp. Psalms 50:15; and for the fact, Exodus 2:23 ff.

in the secret place of thunder In the covert of the thunder-cloud God conceals and reveals Himself (Psalms 18:11; Psalms 18:13; Psalms 77:17 ff.). At the passage of the Red Sea, when Israel was sore afraid and cried out unto Jehovah, He "looked forth upon the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and discomfited the host of the Egyptians" (Exodus 14:10; Exodus 14:24).

I proved thee at the waters of Meribah Testing thy faith and obedience. The name Meribah or Strifewas a reminder of repeated unbelief and ingratitude (Exodus 17:7; Numbers 20:13; Psalms 78:20); of the long -controversy" (Micah 6:2) of a long-suffering God with an obstinate people. It is possible that the reference to this miracle in particular was suggested by the libations of water at the Feast of Tabernacles, which commemorated the supply of water in the wilderness.