[1] The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks. He calls out to the earth from the sunrise in the east to the sunset in the west. [2] From Zion, perfect and beautiful, God’s glory shines out. [3] Our God comes, and he won’t be silent. A burning fire goes ahead of him. A terrible storm is all around him. [4] He calls out to heaven and earth to be his witnesses. Then he judges his people. [5] He says, “Gather this holy people around me. They made a covenant with me by offering a sacrifice.” [6] The heavens announce that what God decides is right. That’s because he is a God of justice. [7] God says, “Listen, my people, and I will speak. I will be a witness against you, Israel. I am God, your God. [8] I don’t bring charges against you because of your sacrifices. I don’t bring charges because of the burnt offerings you always bring me. [9] I don’t need a bull from your barn. I don’t need goats from your pens. [10] Every animal in the forest already belongs to me. And so do the cattle on a thousand hills. [11] I own every bird in the mountains. The insects in the fields belong to me. [12] If I were hungry, I wouldn’t tell you. The world belongs to me. And so does everything in it. [13] Do I eat the meat of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats? [14] Bring me thank offerings, because I am your God. Carry out the promises you made to me, because I am the Most High God. [15] Call out to me when trouble comes. I will save you. And you will honor me.” [16] But here is what God says to a sinful person. “What right do you have to speak the words of my laws? How dare you speak the words of my covenant! [17] You hate my teaching. You turn your back on what I say. [18] When you see a thief, you join him. You make friends with those who commit adultery. [19] You use your mouth to speak evil. You use your tongue to spread lies. [20] You are a witness against your brother. You always tell lies about your own mother’s son. [21] When you did these things, I kept silent. So you thought I was just like you. But now I’m going to bring you to court. I will bring charges against you. [22] “You who forget God, think about this. If you don’t, I will tear you to pieces. No one will be able to save you. [23] People who sacrifice thank offerings to me honor me. To those who are without blame I will show my power to save.”
