Scripture Verse

The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble. Psalm 99:1

Introduction

portrait
George Rawson
1807–1889

Words: George Raw­son, in the Leeds Hymn Book, 1853.

Music: Ar­dud­wy John Ro­berts (1822–1877) (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know when the mu­sic was writ­ten,

portrait
John Roberts
1822–1877

Lyrics

God the Lord is King: before Him
Earth with all thy nations, wait!
Where the cherubim adore Him,
Sitteth He in royal state:
He is holy; He is Holy;
Blessèd, only potentate!

God the Lord is King of glo­ry,
Zion, tell the world His fame;
Ancient Israel, the story
Of His faith­ful­ness pro­claim:
He is holy; He is holy;
Holy is His aweful name.

In old times when dangers darkened,
When, invoked by priest and seer,
To His people’s cry He hearkened,
Answered them in all their fear;
He is holy, He is holy;
As they called, they found Him near.

Laws divine to them were spoken
From the pillar of the cloud;
Sacred precepts, quickly broken!
Fiercely then His vengeance flowed:
He is holy; He is holy;
To the dust their hearts were bowed.

But their Fa­ther God forgave them
When they sought His face once more:
Ever rea­dy was to save them,
Tenderly did He restore:
He is holy; He is holy;
We too will His grace implore.

God in Christ is all forgiving,
Waits His promise to fulfill;
Come, exalt Him, all the living,
Come, as­cend His holy hill;
He is holy; He is holy;
Worship at His holy hill.