Psalms

¹ The God of gods—it's God!—speaks out, shouts, "Earth!" welcomes the sun in the east, farewells the disappearing sun in the west.

² God blazes into view.

³ he's not shy in his coming. Starbursts of fireworks precede him.

⁴ he's taking his people to court:

⁵ on the Bible their loyalty to me."

⁶ that here God is judge.

⁷ Israel, I'm about ready to bring you to trial. This is God, your God, speaking to you.

⁸ the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer.

⁹ or more and more goats from your herds?

¹⁰ the wild animals on all the mountains.

¹¹ the scampering field mice are my friends.

¹² All creation and its bounty are mine.

¹³ or drink draughts of goats' blood?

¹⁴ serve High God a feast of kept promises,

¹⁵ I'll help you, and you'll honor me."

¹⁶ "What are you up to, quoting my laws, talking like we are good friends?

¹⁷ you treat my words like garbage.

¹⁸ adulterers are your friends of choice.

¹⁹ lying is a serious art form with you.

²⁰ rip off your little sister.

²¹ you thought I went along with your game. I'm calling you on the carpet, now, laying your wickedness out in plain sight.

²² loose with me. I'm ready to pass sentence, and there's no help in sight!

²³ As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I'll show you my salvation."