To the director,[461] on the gittith.[462] One of Asaph's songs.
<1> Be happy and sing to God, our strength.
Shout with joy to the God of Jacob.[463]
<2> Begin the music.
Play the tambourines.
Play the pleasant harps and lyres.[464]
<3> Blow the ram's horn
at the time of the new moon,[465]
Blow the ram's horn
at the time of the full moon,[466]
when our festival begins.
<4> That is a law for the people of Israel.[467]
The God of Jacob gave the command.
<5> God made this agreement with Joseph's people,
when God led them out of Egypt.
In Egypt we heard that language
we didn't understand.
<6> God says, "I took the load from your shoulder.
I let you drop the worker's basket.
<7> You people were in trouble.
You called for help and I set you free.
I was hidden in the storm clouds, and I answered you.
I tested you by the water at Meribah.[468]"
Selah[469]
<8> "My people, I am warning you.
Israel, listen to me!
<9> Don't worship any of the false gods
that the foreigners worship.
<10> I, the Lord, am your God.
I brought you out of Egypt.
Israel, open your mouth,
and I will feed you.
<11> "But my people did not listen to me.
Israel did not obey me.
<12> So I let them go their own stubborn way
and do whatever they wanted.
<13> If my people would listen to me and would live the way I want,
<14> then I would defeat their enemies.
I would punish those who cause them trouble.
<15> The Lord's enemies would shake with fear.
They would be punished forever.
<16> God would give the best wheat to his people.
He would give them the purest honey,
until they were satisfied."[470]
© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.