Psalms 50

  1. 1

    A psalm by Asaph. El, God, the Lord has spoken, and summoned the earth to come from the east and west.

  2. 2

    From Zion, the most beautiful of all places, God has come in splendor.

  3. 3

    “May our God come and not be silent.” Consuming fire goes ahead of him, and all around him a storm rages.

  4. 4

    He summons the heavens above, as well as the earth, so that he might judge his people.

  5. 5

    He says: “Assemble my covenant people before me, those who ratified a covenant with me by sacrifice.”

  6. 6

    The heavens declare his fairness, for God is judge. (Selah)

  7. 7

    He says: “Listen, my people. I am speaking! Listen, Israel. I am accusing you. I am God, your God!

  8. 8

    I am not condemning you because of your sacrifices, or because of your burnt sacrifices that you continually offer me.

  9. 9

    I do not need to take a bull from your household or goats from your sheepfolds.

  10. 10

    For every wild animal in the forest belongs to me, as well as the cattle that graze on a thousand hills.

  11. 11

    I keep track of every bird in the hills, and the insects of the field are mine.

  12. 12

    Even if I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and all it contains belong to me.

  13. 13

    Do I eat the flesh of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats?

  14. 14

    Present to God a thank offering. Repay your vows to the Most High.

  15. 15

    Pray to me when you are in trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

  16. 16

    God says this to the evildoer: “How can you declare my commands, and talk about my covenant?

  17. 17

    For you hate instruction and reject my words.

  18. 18

    When you see a thief, you join him; you associate with men who are unfaithful to their wives.

  19. 19

    You do damage with words, and use your tongue to deceive.

  20. 20

    You plot against your brother; you slander your own brother.

  21. 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. 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. 23

    Whoever presents a thank offering honors me. To whoever obeys my commands, I will reveal my power to deliver.”