Psalms

A Call to Obedience

81 † Sing for joy to God our strength;shout in triumph to the God of Jacob. 2 Lift up a song — play the tambourine,the melodious lyre, and the harp. 3 Blow the horn on the day of our feasts A during the new moon and during the full moon.4 For this is a statute for Israel,a judgment of the God of Jacob. 5 He set it up as an ordinance for Josephwhen He went throughout  the land of Egypt. 

I heard an unfamiliar language:6 “I relieved his shoulder from the burden;his hands were freed from carrying the basket. 7† You called out in distress, and I rescued you;I answered you from the thundercloud. I tested you at the waters of Meribah. 

•Selah

8† Listen, My people, and I will admonish you.Israel, if you would only listen to Me! 9 There must not be a strange god among you;you must not bow down to a foreign god. 10 I am •Yahweh  your God,who brought you up from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. 

11 “But My people did not listen to Me;Israel did not obey Me. 12 So I gave them over to their stubborn heartsto follow their own plans. 13 If only My people would listen to Meand Israel would follow My ways, 14 I would quickly subdue their enemiesand turn My hand against their foes.” 15 Those who hate the Lordwould pretend submission to Him; their doom would last forever. 16 But He would feed Israel B with the best wheat.“I would satisfy you with honey from the rock.”