5. “Gather My faithful ones to Me,those who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”
6. The heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God is the Judge. Selah
7. “Listen, My people, and I will speak;I will testify against you, Israel.I am God, your God.
8. I do not rebuke you for your sacrificesor for your burnt offerings,which are continually before Me.
9. I will not accept a bull from your householdor male goats from your pens,
10. for every animal of the forest is Mine,the cattle on a thousand hills.
11. I know every bird of the mountains, and the creatures of the field are Mine.
12. If I were hungry, I would not tell you,for the world and everything in it is Mine.
13. Do I eat the flesh of bullsor drink the blood of goats?
14. Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and pay your vows to the Most High.
15. Call on Me in a day of trouble;I will rescue you, and you will honor Me.”
16. But God says to the wicked:“What right do you have to recite My statutesand to take My covenant on your lips?
17. You hate instructionand turn your back on My words.
18. When you see a thief,you make friends with him,and you associate with adulterers.