4. He calls out to heaven and earth to be his witnesses. Then he judges his people.
5. He says, "Gather my holy people around me. They made a covenant with me by offering a sacrifice."
6. The heavens announce that what God decides is right. He himself is the Judge. Selah
7. God says, "Listen, my people, and I will speak. Listen , Israel , and I will give witness against you. I am God, your God.
8. I don't find fault with you because of your sacrifices. I don't find fault with the burnt offerings you always bring me.
9. I don't need a bull from your barn. I don't need goats from your pens.
10. Every animal in the forest already belongs to me. And so do the cattle on a thousand hills.
11. I own every bird in the mountains. The creatures of the field belong to me.
12. If I were hungry, I wouldn't tell you. The world belongs to me. And so does everything in it.
13. Do I eat the meat of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats?
14. Bring me thank offerings, because I am your God. Carry out the promises you made to me, because I am the Most High God.
15. Call out to me when trouble comes. I will save you. And you will honor me."