1 [For the choir director; on the [gittith]; by Asaph.] Sing joyfully to God, our strength. Shout happily to the God of Jacob.

2 Begin a psalm, and strike a tambourine. Play lyres and harps with their pleasant music.

3 Blow the ram's horn on the day of the new moon, on the day of the full moon, on our festival days.

4 This is a law for Israel, a legal decision from the God of Jacob.

5 These are the instructions God set in place for Joseph when Joseph rose to power over Egypt. I heard a message I did not understand:

6 "I removed the burden from his shoulder. His hands were freed from the basket.

7 When you were in trouble, you called out [to me], and I rescued you. I was hidden in thunder, but I answered you. I tested your [loyalty] at the oasis of Meribah. [Selah]

8 Listen, my people, and I will warn you. Israel, if you would only listen to me!

9 Never keep any strange god among you. Never worship a foreign god.

10 I am the LORD your God, the one who brought you out of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

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

12 So I let them go their own stubborn ways and follow their own advice.

13 If only my people would listen to me! If only Israel would follow me!

14 I would quickly defeat their enemies. I would turn my power against their foes.

15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe in front of him, and their time [for punishment]would last forever.

16 But I would feed Israel with the finest wheat and satisfy them with honey from a rock."