Scripture Verse

The blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:13

Introduction

illustration
The Angel of Death and the First Passover

Words: Is­aac Watts, Hymns and Spi­ri­tu­al Songs, Book 2, 1707–09, num­ber 155. Christ our Pass­o­ver.

Music: Grä­fen­berg Jo­hann Crü­ger, Prax­is Pi­e­ta­tis Me­li­ca 1647 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
Isaac Watts
1674–1748

Lyrics

Lo, the destroying angel flies
To Pharaoh’s stubborn land!
The pride and flower of Egypt dies
By his vindictive hand.

He passed the tents of Jacob o’er,
Nor poured the wrath divine;
He saw the blood on every door,
And blessed the peaceful sign.

Thus the appointed Lamb must bleed,
To break the Egyptian yoke;
Thus Israel is from bondage freed,
And ’scapes the angel’s stroke.

Lord, if my heart were sprinkled too
With blood so rich as Thine,
Justice no longer would pursue
This guilty soul of mine.

Jesus our Passover was slain,
And has at once procured
Freedom from Satan’s heavy chain,
And God’s avenging sword.