International Children’s Bible

Psalms 81 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

A Song for a Holiday

1. Sing for joy to God, our strength.Shout out loud to the God of Jacob.

2. Begin the music. Play the tambourines.Play pleasant music on the harps and lyres.

3. Blow the sheep’s horn at the time of the New Moon.Blow it when the moon is full, when our feast begins.

4. This is the law for Israel.It is God’s command to the people of Jacob.

5. He made this agreement with the people of Josephwhen they went out of the land of Egypt.I heard a language I did not know, saying:

6. “I took the load off your shoulders.I let you put down your baskets.

7. When you were in trouble, you called, and I saved you.I answered you with thunder.I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah

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

9. You must not have foreign gods among you.You must not worship any false god.

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

11. “But my people did not listen to me.Israel did not want me.

12. So I let them go their stubborn way.They followed their own advice.

13. I wish my people would listen to me.I wish Israel would live my way.

14. Then I would quickly defeat their enemies.I would turn my hand against those who are against them.

15. Those who hate the Lord would bow before him.Their punishment would continue forever.

16. But I would give you the finest wheat.I would fill you with honey from the rocks.”