1: The God of gods--it's GOD!-speaks out, shouts, "Earth!" welcomes the sun in the east, farewells the disappearing sun in the west.
2: From the dazzle of Zion, God blazes into view.
3: Our God makes his entrance, he's not shy in his coming. Starbursts of fireworks precede him.
4: He summons heaven and earth as a jury, he's taking his people to court:
5: "Round up my saints who swore on the Bible their loyalty to me."
6: The whole cosmos attests to the fairness of this court, that here God is judge.
7: "Are you listening, dear people? I'm getting ready to speak; Israel, I'm about ready to bring you to trial. This is God, your God, speaking to you.
8: I don't find fault with your acts of worship, the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer.
9: But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull, or more and more goats from your herds?
10: Every creature in the forest is mine, the wild animals on all the mountains.
11: I know every mountain bird by name; the scampering field mice are my friends.
12: If I get hungry, do you think I'd tell you? All creation and its bounty are mine.
13: Do you think I feast on venison? or drink draughts of goats' blood?
14: Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve High God a feast of kept promises,
15: And call for help when you're in trouble--I'll help you, and you'll honor me."
16: Next, God calls up the wicked: "What are you up to, quoting my laws, talking like we are good friends?
17: You never answer the door when I call; you treat my words like garbage.
18: If you find a thief, you make him your buddy; adulterers are your friends of choice.
19: Your mouth drools filth; lying is a serious art form with you.
20: You stab your own brother in the back, rip off your little sister.
21: I kept a quiet patience while you did these things; you thought I went along with your game. I'm calling you on the carpet, now, laying your wickedness out in plain sight.
22: "Time's up for playing fast and loose with me. I'm ready to pass sentence, and there's no help in sight!
23: It's the praising life that honors me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I'll show you my salvation."