Scripture Verse

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. Psalm 34:15–16

Introduction

Words: From The Psal­ter (Pitts­burgh, Penn­syl­van­ia: Unit­ed Pres­by­te­ri­an Board of Pub­li­ca­tion, 1912), num­ber 91.

Music: Ab­ends Her­bert S. Oake­ley, 1874 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
Herbert S. Oakeley (1830–1903)

Lyrics

God guards the good with watchful eye,
His ear attentive to their cry;
Against the wicked sets His face,
From earth their memory to erase.

The righteous cry, Je­ho­vah hears,
And rescues them from all their fears;
The Lord draws nigh to broken hearts,
To contrite spirits help imparts.

Afflictions on the good must fall,
But God will bring them safe through all;
From harmful stroke He will defend,
And sure and full deliverance send.

By evil are the evil slain,
The hope of sinful men is vain;
The wicked, who the righteous hate,
Their condemnation shall be great.

The Lord re­demp­tion will provide
For all who in His grace confide;
From condemnation they are clear
Who trust in Him with holy fear.