Psalm 50

A psalm by Asaph.

1El, God, the Lord speaks,

and summons the earth to come from the east and west.

2From Zion, the most beautiful of all places,

God comes in splendor.

3Our God approaches and is not silent;

consuming fire goes ahead of him

and all around him a storm rages.

4He summons the heavens above,

as well as the earth, so that he might judge his people.

5He says:

“Assemble my covenant people before me,

those who ratified a covenant with me by sacrifice!”

6The heavens declare his fairness,

for God is judge. (Selah)

7He says:

“Listen my people! I am speaking!

Listen Israel! I am accusing you!

I am God, your God!

8I am not condemning you because of your sacrifices,

or because of your burnt sacrifices that you continually offer me.

9I do not need to take a bull from your household

or goats from your sheepfolds.

10For every wild animal in the forest belongs to me,

as well as the cattle that graze on a thousand hills.

11I keep track of every bird in the hills,

and the insects of the field are mine.

12Even if I were hungry, I would not tell you,

for the world and all it contains belong to me.

13Do I eat the flesh of bulls?

Do I drink the blood of goats?

14Present to God a thank-offering!

Repay your vows to the sovereign One!

15Pray to me when you are in trouble!

I will deliver you, and you will honor me!”

16God says this to the evildoer:

“How can you declare my commands,

and talk about my covenant?

17For you hate instruction

and reject my words.

18When you see a thief, you join him;

you associate with men who are unfaithful to their wives.

19You do damage with words,

and use your tongue to deceive.

20You plot against your brother;

you slander your own brother.

21When 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!

22Carefully consider this, you who reject God!

Otherwise I will rip you to shreds

and no one will be able to rescue you.

23Whoever presents a thank-offering honors me.

To whoever obeys my commands, I will reveal my power to deliver.”