1 T he Powerful One, God, the Lord, has spoken. And He calls the earth from where the sun rises to where the sun goes down.

2 G od shines from Zion, perfect in beauty.

3 M ay our God come and not keep quiet. A fire burns before Him, and around Him is a powerful storm.

4 H e calls the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:

5 “ Gather My holy ones to Me, those who have made an agreement with Me by their gifts given on an altar.”

6 A nd the heavens will tell how right and good He is, for God Himself is judge.

7 “ Listen, O My people, and I will speak. O Israel, I will speak against you. I am God, your God.

8 I do not speak sharp words to you for your gifts given on an altar. And your burnt gifts are always before Me.

9 I will not take a young bull out of your house, or male goats out of your fields.

10 F or every animal among the trees is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know every bird of the mountains. And all things that move in the field are Mine.

12 I f I were hungry, I would not tell you. For the world is Mine, and all that is in it.

13 S hould I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of male goats?

14 G ive a gift of thanks on the altar to God. And pay your promises to the Most High.

15 C all on Me in the day of trouble. I will take you out of trouble, and you will honor Me.”

16 B ut to the sinful, God says: “What right do you have to tell of My Laws, and take My agreement in your mouth?

17 F or you hate to be told what to do, and you throw My words behind you.

18 W hen you see a robber, you are pleased with him. And you join those who do sex sins.

19 Y ou say bad things with your mouth, and you lie with your tongue.

20 Y ou sit and speak against your brother. You talk against your own mother’s son.

21 Y ou have done these things, and I have kept quiet. You thought that I was just like you. But I will speak sharp words to you, and tell you who is guilty to your face.

22 “ Now think about this, you who forget God, or I will tear you in pieces and there will be no one to save you.

23 H e who gives a gift of thanks honors Me. And to him who makes his way right, I will show him the saving power of God.”