New Century Version

Psalms 81 New Century Version (NCV)

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 trumpet at the time of the New Moon,when the moon is full, when our feast begins.

4. This is the law for Israel;it is the command of the God of Jacob.

5. He gave this rule to 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 their shoulders;I let them put down their 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;you must not worship any false god.

10. I, the Lord, am your God,who 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 wayand follow 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 enemiesand turn my hand against their foes.

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

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