4. He calls to the heavens above,and to the earth, that He may judge His people:
5. “Gather My faithful ones together to Me,those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”
6. The heavens will declare His righteousness,for God Himself is judge. Selah
7. “Hear, O My people, and I will speak,O Israel, and I will testify against you;I am God, even your God.
8. I will not reprove you for your sacrificesor for your burnt offerings that are continually before Me.
9. I will take no young bull out of your house,nor male goats out of your folds.
10. For every wild animal of the forest is Mine,and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11. I know every bird of the mountains,and the creatures that move in the field are Mine.
12. If I were hungry, I would not tell you;for the world is Mine, and all its fullness.
13. Will I eat the flesh of bulls,or drink the blood of goats?
14. Sacrifice a thank offering to God,and pay your vows to the Most High,
15. and call on Me in the day of trouble;I will deliver you, and you will glorifyMe.”
16. But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to declare My statutes,or take My covenant in your mouth?
17. You hate instruction,and cast My words behind you.
18. When you see a thief, you are pleased,and have a share in those who commit adultery.
19. You let loose your mouth to evil,and your tongue is bound to deceit.
20. You sit and speak against your brother;you accuse your own mother’s son.
21. These things have you done, and I kept silent;you thought that I was indeed like you;but I will reprove youand make a case before your eyes.
22. “Now consider this, you who forget God,lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver:
23. Whoever sacrifices a thank offeringglorifies Me and makes a way;I will show him the salvation of God.”