[1] A Psalm. Of Asaph. The God of gods, even the Lord, has sent out his
voice, and the earth is full of fear; from the coming up of the sun to its
going down. [2] From Zion, most beautiful of places, God has sent out his
light. [3] Our God will come, and will not keep quiet; with fire burning
before him, and storm-winds round him. [4] His voice will go out to the
heavens and to the earth, for the judging of his people: [5] Let my saints
come together to me; those who have made an agreement with me by offerings.
[6] And let the heavens make clear his righteousness; for God himself is
the judge. (Selah.) [7] Give ear, O my people, to my words; O Israel, I
will be a witness against you; I am God, even your God. [8] I will not take
up a cause against you because of your offerings, or because of your burned
offerings, which are ever before me. [9] I will take no ox out of your
house, or he-goats from your flocks; [10] For every beast of the woodland
is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. [11] I see all the birds of
the mountains, and the beasts of the field are mine. [12] If I had need of
food, I would not give you word of it; for the earth is mine and all its
wealth. [13] Am I to take the flesh of the ox for my food, or the blood of
goats for my drink? [14] Make an offering of praise to God; keep the
agreements which you have made with the Most High; [15] Let your voice come
up to me in the day of trouble; I will be your saviour, so that you may
give glory to me. [16] But to the sinner, God says, What are you doing,
talking of my laws, or taking the words of my agreement in your mouth? [17]
Seeing that you have no desire for my teaching, turning your back on my
words. [18] When you saw a thief, you were in agreement with him, and you
were joined with those who took other men's wives. [19] You have given your
mouth to evil, your tongue to words of deceit. [20] You say evil of your
brother; you make false statements against your mother's son. [21] These
things have you done, and I said nothing; it seemed to you that I was such
a one as yourself; but I will make a protest against you, and put them in
order before your eyes. [22] Now keep this in mind, you who have no memory
of God, for fear that you may be crushed under my hand, with no one to give
you help: [23] Whoever makes an offering of praise gives glory to me; and
to him who is upright in his ways I will make clear the salvation of God.