Psalms 81:1-7

Psalm 81

For the music director; according to the gittith style; by Asaph.

81:1 Shout for joy to God, our source of strength!

Shout out to the God of Jacob!

81:2 Sing a song and play the tambourine,

the pleasant sounding harp, and the ten-stringed instrument!

81:3 Sound the ram’s horn on the day of the new moon,

and on the day of the full moon when our festival begins.

81:4 For observing the festival is a requirement for Israel;

it is an ordinance given by the God of Jacob.

81:5 He decreed it as a regulation in Joseph,

when he attacked the land of Egypt.

I heard a voice I did not recognize.

81:6 It said: “I removed the burden from his shoulder;

his hands were released from holding the basket.

81:7 In your distress you called out and I rescued you.

I answered you from a dark thundercloud.

I tested you at the waters of Meribah. (Selah)