50
A psalm by Asaph.
1 El, God, the Lord speaks,
and summons the earth to come from the east and west.
2 From Zion, the most beautiful of all places,
God comes in splendor.
3 Our God approaches and is not silent;
consuming fire goes ahead of him
and all around him a storm rages.
4 He summons the heavens above,
as well as the earth, so that he might judge his people.
5 He says:
“Assemble my covenant people before me,
those who ratified a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6 The heavens declare his fairness,
for God is judge. (Selah)
7 He says:
“Listen my people! I am speaking!
Listen Israel! I am accusing you!
I am God, your God!
8 I am not condemning you because of your sacrifices,
or because of your burnt sacrifices that you continually offer me.
9 I do not need to take a bull from your household
or goats from your sheepfolds.
10 For every wild animal in the forest belongs to me,
as well as the cattle that graze on a thousand hills.
11 I keep track of every bird in the hills,
and the insects of the field are mine.
12 Even if I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world and all it contains belong to me.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls?
Do I drink the blood of goats?
14 Present to God a thank-offering!
Repay your vows to the sovereign One!
15 Pray to me when you are in trouble!
I will deliver you, and you will honor me!”
16 God says this to the evildoer:
“How can you declare my commands,
and talk about my covenant?
17 For you hate instruction
and reject my words.
18 When you see a thief, you join him;
you associate with men who are unfaithful to their wives.
19 You do damage with words,
and use your tongue to deceive.
20 You plot against your brother;
you slander your own brother.
21 When you did these things, I was silent,
so you thought I was exactly like you.
But now I will condemn you
and state my case against you!
22 Carefully consider this, you who reject God!
Otherwise I will rip you to shreds
and no one will be able to rescue you.
23 Whoever presents a thank-offering honors me.
To whoever obeys my commands, I will reveal my power to deliver.”
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