Scripture Verse

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Psalm 35:1

Introduction

portrait
Alexander R. Reinagle (1799–1877)

Words: Is­aac Watts, The Psalms of Da­vid 1719. Pray­er and faith of per­se­cut­ed saints; or, im­pre­ca­tions mixed with cha­ri­ty.

Music: Be­ati Im­ma­cu­la­ti Al­ex­an­der R. Rei­na­gle, Psalm Tunes for the Voice and Pi­ano­for­te, cir­ca 1836 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Reo Lo­well Ma­son, Car­mi­na Sac­ra: or, Bos­ton Col­lect­ion of Church Mu­sic (Bos­ton Mas­sa­chu­setts: John H. Wil­kins & Ri­chard B. Car­ter, 1841), page 91 (🔊 pdf nwc) (re­peats third line of each verse)
portrait
Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

Lyrics

Now plead my cause, al­migh­ty God,
With all the sons of strife;
And fight against the men of blood,
Who fight against my life.

Draw out Thy spear and stop their way,
Lift Thine avenging rod;
But to my soul in mercy say,
I am thy Sav­ior God!

They plant their snares to catch my feet,
And nets of mischief spread;
Plunge the destroyers in the pit
That their own hands have made.

Let fogs and darkness hide their way,
And slippery be their ground;
Thy wrath shall make their lives a prey,
And all their rage confound.

They fly like chaff before the wind,
Before Thine angry breath;
The angel of the Lord behind
Pursues them down to death.

They love the road that leads to hell;
Then let the rebels die,
Whose malice is implacable
Against the Lord on high.

But if Thou hast a chosen few
Amongst that impious race,
Divide them from the bloody crew,
By Thy surprising grace.

Then I will raise my tuneful voice,
To make Thy wonders known;
In their sal­va­tion I’ll rejoice,
And bless Thee for my own.