1 A psalm by Asaph. El, God, the Lord has spoken, and summoned the earth to come from the east and west.⁠a 2 From Zion, the most beautiful of all places, God has come in splendor. 3 “May our God come and not be silent.” Consuming fire goes ahead of him, and all around him a storm rages.⁠b 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.⁠c 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 Most High.⁠d 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. 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 Whoever presents a thank offering honors me. To whoever obeys my commands, I will reveal my power to deliver.”