1Sing aloud unto God, our strength; make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. 2Take a psalm, and bring here the tambourine, the pleasant harp with the lyre. 3Blow the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day. 4For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob. 5This He ordained it as a testimony for Joseph, when he (Joseph) went out through the land of Egypt; where I (Asaph speaking for Israel) heard a language (God's voice) that I (Asaph speaking for Israel) did not understand.

6I removed the burden from his (Israel's) shoulder; his (Israel's) hands were freed from the basket (pots). 7You (Israel) called in your distress, and I delivered you; I answered you out of the thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah. 8Hear My warning, O My people, and I will advise you; O Israel, if you would only listen to Me! 9You must not have any strange God among you; nor shall you worship any foreign God. 10I am the LORD your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. 11But My people would not heed My word; and Israel would have none of Me. 12So I let them follow their own stubborn intents; and they pursued their own desires. 13Oh, that My people had listened to Me, and Israel had walked in My ways! 14I would have soon subdued their enemies, and turned My hand against their adversaries. 15Those who hate the LORD would have cringed before Him; but their time (of subjection) would have endured forever. 16But you would have been fed with the finest of the wheat; and with honey out of the rock I would have satisfied you (Joseph (Israel)).

A Psalm of Asaph, on the appointment of judges by Jehoshaphat.