1 Be happy and sing to God, our strength. Shout with joy to the God of Jacob.
2 Begin the music. Play the tambourines. Play the pleasant harps and lyres.
3 Blow the ram’s horn at the time of the new moon and at the time of the full moon, when our festival begins.
4 This is the law for the people of Israel. The God of Jacob gave the command.
5 God made this agreement with Joseph’s people, when he led them out of Egypt. In a language we didn’t understand, God said,
6 “I took the load from your shoulder. I let you drop the worker’s basket.
7 When you were in trouble, you called for help, and I set you free. I was hidden in the storm clouds, and I answered you. I tested you by the water at Meribah.” Selah
8 “My people, I am warning you. Israel, listen to me!
9 Don’t worship any of the false gods that the foreigners worship.
10 I, the Lord, am your God. I brought you out of Egypt. Israel, open your mouth, and I will feed you.
11 “But my people did not listen to me. Israel did not obey me.
12 So I let them go their own stubborn way and do whatever they wanted.
13 If my people would listen to me and would live the way I want,
14 then I would defeat their enemies. I would punish those who cause them trouble.
15 Those who hate the Lord would shake with fear. They would be punished forever.