[1] The God of gods, the Lord, speaks. He calls the earth from the rising to the setting sun. [2] God shines from Jerusalem, whose beauty is perfect. [3] Our God comes, and he will not be silent. A fire burns in front of him, and a storm surrounds him. [4] He calls to the sky and to the earth to see him judge his people. [5] He says, "You who worship me, gather around. You have made an agreement with me, using a sacrifice." [6] God is the judge. Even the skies say he is right. Selah [7] God says, "My people, listen to me. Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God. [8] I do not scold you for your sacrifices. You always bring me your burnt offerings. [9] But I do not need the bulls from your stalls or the goats from your pens. [10] Every animal of the forest is already mine. The cattle on a thousand hills are mine. [11] I know every bird on the mountains. Every living thing in the fields is mine. [12] If I were hungry, I would not tell you. The earth and everything on it are mine. [13] I don't eat the meat of bulls or drink the blood of goats. [14] Give an offering to show thanks to God. Give God Most High what you have promised. [15] Call to me in times of trouble. I will save you, and you will honor me." [16] But God says to the wicked people, "Why do you talk about my laws? Why do you mention my agreement? [17] You hate my teachings. You turn your back on what I say. [18] When you see a thief, you join him. You take part in adultery. [19] You don't stop your mouth from speaking evil. Your tongue makes up lies. [20] You speak against your brother. You lie about your mother's son. [21] I have kept quiet while you did these things. So you thought I was just like you. But I will scold you. I will accuse you to your face. [22] "Think about this, you people who forget God. Otherwise, I will tear you apart, and no one will save you. [23] Those people honor me who give me offerings to show thanks. And I, God, will save those who do that."
