4
because this is a law for Isra'el, a ruling of the God of Ya'akov.
5
He placed it as a testimony in Y'hosef when he went out against the land of Egypt. I heard an unfamiliar voice say,
6
"I lifted the load from his shoulder; his hands were freed from the [laborer's] basket.
7
You called out when you were in trouble, and I rescued you; I answered you from the thundercloud; I tested you at the M'rivah Spring [by saying,] (Selah)
8
"'Hear, my people, while I give you warning! Isra'el, if you would only listen to me!
9
There is not to be with you any foreign god; you are not to worship an alien god.
10
I am ADONAI your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth, and I will fill it.'
11
"But my people did not listen to my voice; Isra'el would have none of me.
12
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to live by their own plans.
13
How I wish my people would listen to me, that Isra'el would live by my ways!
14
I would quickly subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes.