1<b>A Psalm by Asaph.</b> The Mighty One, God, Yahweh, speaks and calls to the whole world, from where the sun rises to where it sets.
2From Zion, the city of perfect beauty, God shines brightly.
3Our God comes and does not remain silent. A fire burns in front of him, and a great storm rages around him.
4He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, so he can judge his people:
5“Gather my faithful people to me—those who made an agreement with me through sacrifice.”
6The heavens will declare that he is righteous, because God himself is the judge. <i>Selah.</i>
7“Listen, my people, and I will speak; Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.
8I am not scolding you about your sacrifices; your burnt offerings are always before me.
9I don't need a bull from your barn, or male goats from your pens.
10Because every animal in the forest is mine, and so are the cattle on a thousand hills.
11I know every bird in the mountains, and the wild animals of the field are mine.
12If I were hungry, I wouldn't tell you, because the world and everything in it belongs to me.
13Do I eat the meat of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
14Instead, offer God sacrifices of thanks. Fulfill your promises to the Most High.
15Call out to me when you are in trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.”
16But to wicked people God says, ",What right do you have to talk about my laws and to claim my agreement with you?"
17You hate correction and ignore my words.
18When you see a thief, you join him; you spend your time with people who commit adultery.
19You use your mouth to say evil things; your tongue invents lies.
20You sit around and speak against your brother, slandering your own mother's son.
21You've done these things, and I remained silent. You thought I was just like you. But I will correct you and accuse you openly.
22Consider this, you who forget God, or else I will tear you apart, and no one will be able to rescue you.
23Whoever offers a sacrifice of thanks honors me. I will show God's salvation to those who prepare their way carefully."