1 Be happy and shout to Godwho makes us strong!Shout praises to the Godof Jacob.
2 Sing as you play tambourinesand the lovely soundingstringed instruments.
3 Sound the trumpets and startthe New Moon Festival.We must also celebratewhen the moon is full.
4 This is the law in Israel,and it was given to usby the God of Jacob.
5 The descendants of Josephwere told to obey it,when God led them outfrom the land of Egypt.In a language unknown to me,I heard someone say:
6 “I lifted the burdenfrom your shoulderand took the heavy basketfrom your hands.
7 When you were in trouble,I rescued you,and from the thunderclouds,I answered your prayers.Later I tested youat Meribah Spring.
8 “Listen, my people,while I, the Lord,correct you!Israel, if you would onlypay attention to me!
9 Don't worship foreign godsor bow down to godsyou know nothing about.
10 I am the Lord your God.I rescued you from Egypt.Just ask, and I will give youwhatever you need.
11 “But, my people, Israel,you refused to listen,and you would have nothingto do with me!
12 So I let you be stubbornand keep on followingyour own advice.
13 “My people, Israel,if only you would listenand do as I say!
14 I, the Lord, would quicklydefeat your enemieswith my mighty power.
15 Everyone who hates mewould come crawling,and that would be the endof them.
16 But I would feed youwith the finest breadand with the best honeyuntil you were full.”