NET PSA Chapter 50

◄ PSA 50 ► ║ ═ ©

A psalm by Asaph.

50 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.”