Bible Society of South Africa

Season after Pentecost: Second Sunday after Pentecost

Alternate first reading and Psalm

12“ ‘Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy, as I, the LORD your God, have commanded you. 13You have six days in which to do your work, 14but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to me. On that day no one is to work — neither you, your children, your slaves, your animals, nor the foreigners who live in your country. Your slaves must rest just as you do. 15Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and that I, the LORD your God, rescued you by my great power and strength. That is why I command you to observe the Sabbath.

Deuteronomy 5:12-15GNBOpen in Bible reader

A Song for a Festival

1Shout for joy to God our defender;

sing praise to the God of Jacob!

2Start the music and beat the tambourines;

play pleasant music on the harps and the lyres.

3Blow the trumpet for the festival,

when the moon is new and when the moon is full.

4This is the law in Israel,

an order from the God of Jacob.

5He gave it to the people of Israel

when he attacked the land of Egypt.

I hear an unknown voice saying,

6“I took the burdens off your backs;

I let you put down your loads of bricks.

7When you were in trouble, you called to me, and I saved you.

From my hiding place in the storm, I answered you.

I put you to the test at the springs of Meribah.

8Listen, my people, to my warning;

Israel, how I wish you would listen to me!

9You must never worship another god.

10I am the LORD your God,

who brought you out of Egypt.

Open your mouth, and I will feed you.

Psalms 81:1-10GNBOpen in Bible reader
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