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.