1 The mighty God and sovereign LORD
has called the earth from sea to sea.
From Zion's beauty God shines forth;
he comes and will not silent be.
Devouring flame before him goes,
and dark the tempest round him grows.

2 God summons earth and heaven above
to witness how he tries his own:
""Now gather all my chosen saints,
who covenant with me alone.""
His righteousness the heavens declare,
for God himself is judging there.

3 ""Hear, O my people, I will speak;
against you I will testify.
Give ear to me, O Israel,
for God, your faithful God, am I.
I do not spurn your sacrifice;
your offerings are before my eyes.

4 ""I do not need a goat or bull
as offering for my holy shrine.
The cattle on a thousand hills
and all the forest beasts are mine.
Each mountain bird to me is known;
whatever roams the field I own.

5 ""If I were hungry, who would know?
I would not look to you for food.
The world and all it has is mine;
I have no need of flesh or blood.
But pay your vows and call on me;
then I will set my people free.""

6 But to the wicked, God declares:
""What right have you to quote my law?
Why take my covenant on your lips
when evil you will not withdraw?
My holy words you make profane;
you cast them from you in disdain.

7 ""You are a scheming friend of thieves,
of those who break their marriage vows.
Your tongues speak evil and deceit;
you slander those within your house.
You thought that I was just like you,
that there was nothing I would do!

8 ""Consider my rebuke and charge,
all you who have forgotten me,
or I will tear you all apart
then what deliverance will you see?
But those who sacrifice with praise
will always know my boundless grace.""