Psalm 50

Psalm 50

A psalm of Asaph.

1 The LORD, the Mighty One, is God,
and he has spoken;
he has summoned all humanity
from where the sun rises to where it sets.2 From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines in glorious radiance.3 Our God approaches,
and he is not silent.
Fire devours everything in his way,
and a great storm rages around him.4 He calls on the heavens above and earth below
to witness the judgment of his people.5 “Bring my faithful people to me—
those who made a covenant with me by giving sacrifices.”6 Then let the heavens proclaim his justice,
for God himself will be the judge.
Interlude7 “O my people, listen as I speak.
Here are my charges against you, O Israel:
I am God, your God!8 I have no complaint about your sacrifices
or the burnt offerings you constantly offer.9 But I do not need the bulls from your barns
or the goats from your pens.10 For all the animals of the forest are mine,
and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.11 I know every bird on the mountains,
and all the animals of the field are mine.12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for all the world is mine and everything in it.13 Do I eat the meat of bulls?
Do I drink the blood of goats?14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
and keep the vows you made to the Most High.15 Then call on me when you are in trouble,
and I will rescue you,
and you will give me glory.”16 But God says to the wicked:
“Why bother reciting my decrees
and pretending to obey my covenant?17 For you refuse my discipline
and treat my words like trash.18 When you see thieves, you approve of them,
and you spend your time with adulterers.19 Your mouth is filled with wickedness,
and your tongue is full of lies.20 You sit around and slander your brother—
your own mother’s son.21 While you did all this, I remained silent,
and you thought I didn’t care.
But now I will rebuke you,
listing all my charges against you.22 Repent, all of you who forget me,
or I will tear you apart,
and no one will help you.23 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.
If you keep to my path,
I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”

PSALMS 50

What Pleases God

1 From east to west,
the powerful [Lord] God
has been calling together
everyone on earth.

2 God shines brightly from Zion,
the most beautiful city.

3 Our God approaches,
but not silently;
a flaming fire comes first,
and a storm surrounds him.

4 God comes to judge his people.
He shouts to the heavens
and to the earth,

5 “Call my followers together!
They offered me a sacrifice,
and we made an agreement.”

6 The heavens announce,
“God is the judge,
and he is always honest.”

7 My people, I am God!
Israel, I am your God.
Listen to my charges
against you.

8 Although you offer sacrifices
and always bring gifts,

9 I won't accept your offerings
of bulls and goats.

10 Every animal in the forest
belongs to me,
and so do the cattle
on a thousand hills.

11 I know all the birds
in the mountains,
and every wild creature
is in my care.

12 If I were hungry,
I wouldn't tell you,
because I own the world
and everything in it.

13 I don't eat the meat of bulls
or drink the blood of goats.

14 I am God Most High!
The only sacrifice I want
is for you to be thankful
and to keep your word.

15 Pray to me in time of trouble.
I will rescue you,
and you will honor me.

16 But to the wicked I say:
“You don't have the right
to mention my laws or claim
to keep our agreement!

17 You refused correction
and rejected my commands.

18 You made friends
with every crook you met,
and you liked people who break
their wedding vows.

19 You talked only about violence
and told nothing but lies;

20 you sat around gossiping,
ruining the reputation
of your own relatives.”

21 When you did all this,
I didn't say a word,
and you thought,
“God is just like us!”
But now I will accuse you.

22 You have ignored me!
So pay close attention
or I will tear you apart,
and no one can help you.

23 The sacrifice that honors me
is a thankful heart.
Obey me, t and I, your God,
will show my power to save.