Psalm 81

PSALM 81. Exultate Deo.

Sing we merrily unto God our strength: make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob.

2 Take the psalm, bring hither the tabret: the merry harp with the lute.

3 Blow up the trumpet in the new-moon: even in the time appointed, and upon our solemn feast-day.

4 For this was made a statute for Israel: and a law of the God of Jacob.

5 This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony: when he came out of the land of Egypt, and had heard a strange language.

6 I eased his shoulder from the burden: and his hands were delivered from making the pots.

7 Thou calledst upon me in troubles, and I delivered thee: and heard thee what time as the storm fell upon thee.

8 I proved thee also: at the waters of strife.

9 Hear, O my people, and I will assure thee, O Israel: if thou wilt hearken unto me,

10 There shall no strange god be in thee: neither shalt thou worship any other god.

11 I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I shall fill it.

12 But my people would not hear my voice: and Israel would not obey me.

13 So I gave them up unto their own hearts* lusts: and let them follow their own imaginations.

14 O that my people would have hearkened unto me: for if Israel had walked in my ways,

15 I should soon have put down their enemies: and turned my hand against their adversaries.

16 The haters of the Lord should have been found liars: but their time should have endured for ever.

17 He should have fed them also with the finest wheat-flour: and with honey out of the stony rock should I have satisfied thee.

DAY 16 EVENING PRAYER