Psalms 81

1Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!

2Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp.

3Blow the trumpet on the new moon day and when it is full moon, the day when we celebrate.

4This is the law for the people of Israel. The God of Jacob gave the command.

5God told this to the family of Joseph when they came out of Egypt. Someone talked to me but I did not know who it was.

6I. The Lord took the load from your shoulder. I, The Lord let you drop the worker’s basket.

7When you were in trouble, you called for help, and I. the Lord set you free. I, the Lord was hidden in the storm clouds, and I. the Lord answered you. I, The Lord tested you by the water at Meribah. Paulse and think

8My people, I am warning you. Israel, listen to me!

9Don’t worship any of the false gods that the foreigners worship.

10I, the Lord, am your God. I, The Lord brought you out of Egypt. Israel, open your mouth, and I, the Lord will feed you.

11But my people did not listen to me. Israel did not obey me.

12So I let them go their own stubborn way and do whatever they wanted.

13If my people would listen to me and would live the way I want,

14then I would defeat their enemies. I would punish those who cause them trouble.

15Those who hate the Lord would shake with fear. They would be punished forever.

16Our enemies have cut it down and burned it up the vineyard. Show them how angry you are and destroy them.