1 A psalm by Asaph. 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!