Psalm 81

Exultate Deo

Sing we merrily unto God our strength *

make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Take the psalm, bring hither the tabret *

the merry harp with the lute.

Blow up the trumpet in the new-moon *

even in the time appointed, and upon our solemn feast-day.

For this was made a statute for Israel *

and a law of the God of Jacob.

This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony *

when he came out of the land of Egypt, and had heard a strange language.

I eased his shoulder from the burden *

and his hands were delivered from making the pots.

Thou calledst upon me in troubles, and I delivered thee *

and heard thee what time as the storm fell upon thee.

I proved thee also *

at the waters of strife.

Hear, O my people, and I will assure thee, O Israel *

if thou wilt hearken unto me,

There shall no strange god be in thee *

neither shalt thou worship any other god.

I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt *

open thy mouth wide, and I shall fill it.

But my people would not hear my voice *

and Israel would not obey me.

So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lusts *

and let them follow their own imaginations.

O that my people would have hearkened unto me *

for if Israel had walked in my ways,

I should soon have put down their enemies *

and turned my hand against their adversaries.

The haters of the Lord should have been found liars *

but their time should have endured for ever.

He should have fed them also with the finest wheat-flour *

and with honey out of the stony rock should I have satisfied thee.

Psalm 82

Deus stetit

God standeth in the congregation of princes *

he is a Judge among gods.

How long will ye give wrong judgement *

and accept the persons of the ungodly?

Defend the poor and fatherless *

see that such as are in need and necessity have right.

Deliver the outcast and poor *

save them from the hand of the ungodly.

They will not be learned nor understand, but walk on still in darkness *

all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

I have said, Ye are gods *

and ye are all the children of the most Highest.

But ye shall die like men *

and fall like one of the princes.

Arise, O God, and judge thou the earth *

for thou shalt take all heathen to thine inheritance.