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 belowto 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.Interlude
7. “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 sacrificesor the burnt offerings you constantly offer.
9. But I do not need the bulls from your barnsor 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.