Psalm 81

Bethany 8.7.8.7.D. (Henry Smart, 1813-1879)

1 Sing for joy to God our Savior;
shout aloud to Jacob’s Lord!
2 Start the music; strike the timbrel;
play on strings a pleasing chord.
3 Sound the trumpet at the New Moon
and at the full moon as well,
4 At the feast by God appointed
and decreed for Israel.

5 God ordained this law for Joseph
when he ravaged Egypt’s land;
There we listened to a language
which we did not understand.
6 He said: “I removed your burdens
and your aching hands set free.
7 I delivered you from trouble
when you called for help to me.

“From the thundercloud at Sinai
all your people I addressed;
at the flowing streams of Meribah,
there I put you to the test.
8 Hear, my people, let me warn you—
if you would but listen now!
9 No strange god shall be among you;
to a false god do not bow.

10 “I am God the LORD who brought you
up from Egypt’s land of grief.
Open wide your mouth, and surely
I will fill your ev’ry need.
11 But my people would not listen—
would not do what I required.
12 So I gave them up to follow
what their stubborn hearts desired.

13 “If my people would but heed me,
Isr’el follow my command,
14 I would soon subdue their en’mies,
and against them turn my hand.
15 Those who hate the LORD would cower,
and their doom would never end.
16 But with finest wheat I’ll feed you,
honey from the rock I’ll send.”

cento from Sing Psalms and Trinity Psalter Hymnal