English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
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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 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.
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From the dazzle of Zion, God blazes into view.
3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
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Our God makes his entrance, he's not shy in his coming. Starbursts of fireworks precede him.
4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
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He summons heaven and earth as a jury, he's taking his people to court:
5 "Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!"
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"Round up my saints who swore on the Bible their loyalty to me."
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah
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The whole cosmos attests to the fairness of this court, that here God is judge.
7 "Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.
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"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 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me.
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I don't find fault with your acts of worship, the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.
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But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull, or more and more goats from your herds?
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
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Every creature in the forest is mine, the wild animals on all the mountains.
11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.
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I know every mountain bird by name; the scampering field mice are my friends.
12 "If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.
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If I get hungry, do you think I'd tell you? All creation and its bounty are mine.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
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Do you think I feast on venison? or drink draughts of goats' blood?
14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,
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Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve High God a feast of kept promises,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
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And call for help when you're in trouble - I'll help you, and you'll honor me."
16 But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips?
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Next, God calls up the wicked: "What are you up to, quoting my laws, talking like we are good friends?
17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.
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You never answer the door when I call; you treat my words like garbage.
18 If you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you keep company with adulterers.
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If you find a thief, you make him your buddy; adulterers are your friends of choice.
19 "You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit.
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Your mouth drools filth; lying is a serious art form with you.
20 You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son.
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You stab your own brother in the back, rip off your little sister.
21 These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.
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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 "Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!
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"Time's up for playing fast and loose with me. I'm ready to pass sentence, and there's no help in sight!
23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"
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It's the praising life that honors me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I'll show you my salvation."
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.