1. Be happy and shout to Godwho makes us strong!Shout praises to the Godof Jacob.
2. Sing as you play tambourinesand the lovely soundingstringed instruments.
3. Sound the trumpets and startthe New Moon Festival.We must also celebratewhen the moon is full.
4. This is the law in Israel,and it was given to usby the God of Jacob.
5. The descendants of Josephwere told to obey it,when God led them outfrom the land of Egypt.In a language unknown to me,I heard someone say:
6. “I lifted the burdenfrom your shoulderand took the heavy basketfrom your hands.
7. When you were in trouble,I rescued you,and from the thunderclouds,I answered your prayers.Later I tested youat Meribah Spring.
8. “Listen, my people,while I, the Lord,correct you!Israel, if you would onlypay attention to me!
9. Don't worship foreign godsor bow down to godsyou know nothing about.
10. I am the Lord your God.I rescued you from Egypt.Just ask, and I will give youwhatever you need.
11. “But, my people, Israel,you refused to listen,and you would have nothingto do with me!
12. So I let you be stubbornand keep on followingyour own advice.
13. “My people, Israel,if only you would listenand do as I say!
14. I, the Lord, would quicklydefeat your enemieswith my mighty power.
15. Everyone who hates mewould come crawling,and that would be the endof them.
16. But I would feed youwith the finest breadand with the best honeyuntil you were full.”