[1] The Lord makes us strong! Sing praises! Sing to Israel's God! [2] Sing, accompanied by drums; pluck the sweet lyre and harp. [3] Sound the trumpet! Come to the joyous celebrations at full moon, new moon, and all the other holidays. [4] For God has given us these times of joy; they are scheduled in the laws of Israel. [5] He gave them as reminders of his war against Egypt where we were slaves on foreign soil. I heard an unknown voice that said, [6] "Now I will relieve your shoulder of its burden; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks." [7] He said, "You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you; I answered from Mount Sinai where the thunder hides. I tested your faith at Meribah, when you complained there was no water. [8] Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings. O Israel, if you will only listen! [9] You must never worship any other god, nor ever have an idol in your home. [10] For it was I, Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Only test me! Open your mouth wide and see if I won't fill it. You will receive every blessing you can use! [11] "But no, my people won't listen. Israel doesn't want me around. [12] So I am letting them go their blind and stubborn way, living according to their own desires. [13] "But oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths! [14] How quickly then I would subdue her enemies! How soon my hands would be upon her foes! [15] Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him; their desolation would last forever. [16] But he would feed you with the choicest foods. He would satisfy you with honey for the taking."
