1 Be happy and shout to God

who makes us strong!

Shout praises to the God

of Jacob.

2 Sing as you play tambourines

and the lovely sounding

stringed instruments.

3 * Sound the trumpets and start

the New Moon Festival.*

We must also celebrate

when the moon is full.

4 This is the law in Israel,

and it was given to us

by the God of Jacob.

5 The descendants of Joseph

were told to obey it,

when God led them out

from the land of Egypt.

In a voice unknown to me,

I heard someone say:

6 "I lifted the burden

from your shoulder

and took the heavy basket

from your hands.

7 * When you were in trouble,

I rescued you,

and from the thunderclouds,

I answered your prayers.

Later I tested you

at Meribah Spring.*

8 "Listen, my people,

while I, the Lord,

correct you!

Israel, if you would only

pay attention to me!

9 * Don't worship foreign gods

or bow down to gods

you know nothing about.

10 I am the Lord your God.

I rescued you from Egypt.

Just ask, and I will give you

whatever you need.

11 "But, my people, Israel,

you refused to listen,

and you would have nothing

to do with me!

12 So I let you be stubborn

and keep on following

your own advice.

13 "My people, Israel,

if only you would listen

and do as I say!

14 I, the Lord, would quickly

defeat your enemies

with my mighty power.

15 Everyone who hates me

would come crawling,

and that would be the end

of them.

16 But I would feed you

with the finest bread

and with the best honey*

until you were full."