1 From east to west,

the powerful Lord God

has been calling together

everyone on earth.

2 God shines brightly from Zion,

the most beautiful city.

3 Our God approaches,

but not silently;

a flaming fire comes first,

and a storm surrounds him.

4 God comes to judge his people.

He shouts to the heavens

and to the earth,

5 "Call my followers together!

They offered me a sacrifice,

and we made an agreement."

6 The heavens announce,

"God is the judge,

and he is always honest."

7 My people, I am God!

Israel, I am your God.

Listen to my charges

against you.

8 Although you offer sacrifices

and always bring gifts,

9 I won't accept your offerings

of bulls and goats.

10 Every animal in the forest

belongs to me,

and so do the cattle

on a thousand hills.

11 I know all the birds

in the mountains,

and every wild creature

is in my care.

12 If I were hungry,

I wouldn't tell you,

because I own the world

and everything in it.

13 I don't eat the meat of bulls

or drink the blood of goats.

14 I am God Most High!

The only sacrifice I want

is for you to be thankful

and to keep your word.

15 Pray to me in time of trouble.

I will rescue you,

and you will honor me.

16 But to the wicked I say:

"You don't have the right

to mention my laws or claim

to keep our agreement!

17 You refused correction

and rejected my commands.

18 You made friends

with every crook you met,

and you liked people who break

their wedding vows.

19 You talked only about violence

and told nothing but lies;

20 you sat around gossiping,

ruining the reputation

of your own relatives."

21 When you did all this,

I didn't say a word,

and you thought,

"God is just like us!"

But now I will accuse you.

22 You have ignored me!

So pay close attention

or I will tear you apart,

and no one can help you.

23 The sacrifice that honors me

is a thankful heart.

Obey me,* and I, your God,

will show my power to save.