Scripture Verse

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His Anointed. Psalm 2:1–2

Introduction

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Harriet Auber (1773–1862)

Words: Har­ri­et Au­ber, Spi­rit of the Psalms 1829, num­ber 2.

Music: Ado­ro Te (Barn­by) Jo­seph Barn­by, 1872 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Joseph Barnby (1838–1896)

Lyrics

Oh, why, by furious rage combined,
Were Israel’s sons with heathens joined,
And madly drew the hostile sword
Against their own anointed Lord?
Their blinded counsels but fulfill
The gracious purpose of His will.

By them that precious blood was spilt,
Which flowed to wash away our guilt;
And Je­sus but resigned His breath
To triumph over sin and death;
Henceforth as Son of God to reign,
The universe His wide domain.

Those sacred brows, once torn with thorns,
An ev­er­last­ing crown adorns;
Those hands, by cruel cords disgraced,
In which the insulting reed was placed,
Now grasp the mighty rod of power—
Oh tremble, nations, and adore!

But still, yes still, with tender love,
He prays, He pleads for us above;
Oh seek we then the Sav­ior’s face,
With joy accept His offered grace,
Ere, armed with vengeance from on high,
He comes in dreadful majesty.