Psalm 81

³ Blow the ram’s horn on the day of the New Moon feast.
    Blow it again when the moon is full and the Feast of Booths begins.
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.
    It was given when God went out to punish Egypt.
    There I heard a voice I didn’t recognize.

⁶ The voice 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 tested you at the waters of Meribah.

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 any god other than me.
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!
¹⁴ Then I would quickly bring their enemies under control.
    I would use my power against their attackers.
¹⁵ Those who hate me would bow down to me in fear.
    They would be punished forever.
¹⁶ But you would be fed with the finest wheat.
    I would satisfy you with the sweetest honey.”