[1] The mighty God, the Lord, has summoned all mankind from east to west! [2] God's glory-light shines from the beautiful Temple on Mount Zion. [3] He comes with the noise of thunder, surrounded by devastating fire; a great storm rages round about him. [4] He has come to judge his people. To heaven and earth he shouts, [5] "Gather together my own people who by their sacrifice upon my altar have promised to obey me." [6] God will judge them with complete fairness, for all heaven declares that he is just. [7] O my people, listen! For I am your God. Listen! Here are my charges against you: [8] I have no complaint about the sacrifices you bring to my altar, for you bring them regularly. [9] But it isn't sacrificial bullocks and goats that I really want from you. [10] For all the animals of field and forest are mine! The cattle on a thousand hills! And all the birds upon the mountains! [12] If I were hungry, I would not mention it to you-for all the world is mine and everything in it. [13] No, I don't need your sacrifices of flesh and blood. [14] What I want from you is your true thanks; I want your promises fulfilled. I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you and you can give me glory. [16] But God says to evil men: Recite my laws no longer and stop claiming my promises, [17] for you have refused my discipline, disregarding my laws. [18] You see a thief and help him, and spend your time with evil and immoral men. [19] You curse and lie, and vile language streams from your mouths. [20] You slander your own brother. [21] I remained silent-you thought I didn't care-but now your time of punishment has come, and I list all the above charges against you. [22] This is the last chance for all of you who have forgotten God, before I tear you apart-and no one can help you then. [23] But true praise is a worthy sacrifice; this really honors me. Those who walk my paths will receive salvation from the Lord.
