2. Hear the Lord’s accusation, you mountains,you enduring foundations of the earth!For the Lord has a case against his people;he has a dispute with Israel!
3. “My people, how have I wronged you?How have I wearied you? Answer me!
4. In fact, I brought you up from the land of Egypt,I delivered you from that place of slavery.I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to lead you.
5. My people, recall how King Balak of Moab planned to harm you,how Balaam son of Beor responded to him.Recall how you journeyed from Shittim to Gilgal,so you might acknowledge that the Lord has treated you fairly.”
6. With what should I enter the Lord’s presence?With what should I bow before the sovereign God?Should I enter his presence with burnt offerings,with year-old calves?
7. Will the Lord accept a thousand rams,or ten thousand streams of olive oil?Should I give him my firstborn child as payment for my rebellion,my offspring – my own flesh and blood – for my sin?
8. He has told you, O man, what is good,and what the Lord really wants from you:He wants you to promote justice, to be faithful, and to live obediently before your God.
9. Listen! The Lord is calling to the city!It is wise to respect your authority, O Lord!Listen, O nation, and those assembled in the city!
10. “I will not overlook, O sinful house, the dishonest gain you have hoarded away,or the smaller-than-standard measure I hate so much.
11. I do not condone the use of rigged scales,or a bag of deceptive weights.