Psalms



Psalm 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."