1A psalm by Asaph. Almighty God, the Lord, spoke and called to the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2Out of Zion, the place of perfect beauty, God appeared.
3Our God will come and not be silent; a fire will consume before Him, His surroundings are furiously turbulent.
4He will call to the heavens above, and to the earth, to avenge His people:
5"Gather to Me My pious ones, those who made a covenant with Me over a sacrifice.”
6Then the heavens declared His righteousness, for God is Judge forever.
7Listen, My people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against you-I am God your God.
8Not for [the lack of] your sacrifices will I rebuke you, nor for [the lack of] your burnt offerings which ought to be continually before Me.
9I do not take oxen from your house, nor goats from your pens;
10for every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle of a thousand mountains.
11I know every bird of the mountains, and the crawling creatures of the field are in My possession.
12Were I hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and everything in it is Mine.
13Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?
14Offer confession as a sacrifice to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High,
15and call to Me on the day of distress; I will free you, and you will honor Me.
16But to the wicked, God said, "What does it help you to discuss My laws, and bear My covenant upon your lips?
17For you hate discipline, and throw My words behind you.
18When you see a thief you run with him, and your lot is with adulterers.
19You sent forth your mouth for evil, and attach your tongue to deceit.
20You sit down to talk against your brother; your mother's son you defame.
21You have done these things and I kept silent, so you imagine that I am like you-[but] I will rebuke you and lay it clearly before your eyes.
22Understand this now, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart and there be none to save you.
23He who offers a sacrifice of confession honors Me; and to him who sets right his way, I will show the deliverance of God."