[1] Be happy and shout to God who makes us strong! Shout praises to the God of Jacob. [2] Sing as you play tambourines and the lovely sounding stringed instruments. [3] Sound the trumpets and start the New Moon Festival. We must also celebrate when the moon is full. [4] This is the law in Israel, and it was given to us by the God of Jacob. [5] The descendants of Joseph were told to obey it, when God led them out from the land of Egypt. In a language unknown to me, I heard someone say: [6] "I lifted the burden from your shoulder and took the heavy basket from your hands. [7] When you were in trouble, I rescued you, and from the thunderclouds, I answered your prayers. Later I tested you at Meribah Spring. [8] "Listen, my people, while I, the Lord, correct you! Israel, if you would only pay attention to me! [9] Don't worship foreign gods or bow down to gods you know nothing about. [10] I am the LORD your God. I rescued you from Egypt. Just ask, and I will give you whatever you need. [11] "But, my people, Israel, you refused to listen, and you would have nothing to do with me! [12] So I let you be stubborn and keep on following your own advice. [13] "My people, Israel, if only you would listen and do as I say! [14] I, the LORD, would quickly defeat your enemies with my mighty power. [15] Everyone who hates me would come crawling, and that would be the end of them. [16] But I would feed you with the finest bread and with the best honey until you were full."
