4. For this is a statute for Israel,a judgment of the God of Jacob.
5. He set it up as an ordinance for Josephwhen He went throughout the land of Egypt. I heard an unfamiliar language:
6. “I relieved his shoulder from the burden;his hands were freed from carrying the basket.
7. You called out in distress, and I rescued you;I answered you from the thundercloud. I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah
8. Listen, My people, and I will admonish you.Israel, if you would only listen to Me!
9. There must not be a strange god among you;you must not bow down to a foreign god.
10. I am Yahweh your God,who brought you up from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
11. “But My people did not listen to Me;Israel did not obey Me.
12. So I gave them over to their stubborn heartsto follow their own plans.
13. If only My people would listen to Meand Israel would follow My ways,
14. I would quickly subdue their enemiesand turn My hand against their foes.”
15. Those who hate the Lordwould pretend submission to Him; their doom would last forever.
16. But He would feed Israel with the best wheat.“I would satisfy you with honey from the rock.”