4. This is an order given to Israel. It is a law of the God of Jacob.
5. He gave it as a covenant law for the people of Joseph when God went out to punish Egypt. There we heard a language we didn't understand.
6. God said, "I removed the load from your shoulders. I set your hands free from carrying heavy baskets.
7. You called out when you were in trouble, and I saved you. I answered you out of a thundercloud. I put you to the test at the waters of Meribah. Selah
8. "My people, listen and I will warn you. Israel , I wish you would listen to me!
9. Don't have anything to do with the gods of other nations. Don't bow down and worship strange gods.
10. I am the Lord your God. I brought you up out of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.
11. "But my people wouldn't listen to me. Israel wouldn't obey me.
12. So I let them go their own stubborn way. I let them follow their own sinful plans.
13. "I wish my people would listen to me! I wish Israel would live as I want them to live!