Psalms 81 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

Sing out loud to God, our strength — shout with joy to the God of Jacob!

Start the music — bring out the tambourine, the sweet-sounding lyre, and the harp.

Sound the ram's horn at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day!

This is a decree for Israel, a ruling from the God of Jacob.

He established this as a testimony in Joseph when he went out against the land of Egypt, where I heard a language I did not understand.

"I lifted the burden from his shoulder; his hands were set free from the heavy basket."

"In your distress you called out, and I rescued you. I answered you from the hidden place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah."

"Listen, my people, and I will warn you — Israel, if only you would hear me!

There must be no foreign god among you; you must not bow down to any imported god.

I am Yahweh your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it."

"But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel wanted nothing to do with me.

So I let them follow their own stubborn hearts; they walked according to their own plans.

"If only my people would listen to me, if Israel would walk in my ways!

I would quickly bring down their enemies; I would turn my hand against their oppressors.

Those who hate Yahweh would cringe before him, and their fate would be sealed forever.

I would feed you with the finest wheat, and I would satisfy you with honey from the rock."