Scripture Verse

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee. Psalm 20:1

Introduction

Words: From The Psal­ter (Pitts­burgh, Penn­syl­van­ia: Unit­ed Pres­by­te­ri­an Board of Pub­li­ca­tion, 1912), num­ber 43.

Music: Tal­lis’ Ca­non Tho­mas Tal­lis, in The Whole Psal­ter Trans­lat­ed in­to Eng­lish Metre, by Mat­thew Par­ker, 1560 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Thomas Tallis (1505–1585)

Lyrics

Jehovah hear thee in thy grief,
Our fathers’ God defend thee still,
Send from His holy place relief,
And strengthen thee from Zion’s hill.

Thy sacrifice may He regard,
And all thine offerings bear in mind;
Thy heart’s desire to thee accord,
Fulfilling all thou has designed.

In Thy sal­va­tion we rejoice,
And in God’s name our banners raise;
Jehovah hearken to thy voice,
Fulfill thy prayers through all thy days.

Salvation will the Lord command,
And His anointed will defend;
Yea, with the strength of His right hand
From Heav’n He will an answer send.

In chariots some have confidence,
On horses others will rely,
But we acknowledge our defense
Is God, Je­ho­vah, Lord most high.

Now we arise and upright stand
While they, subdued, and helpless, fall;
Jehovah, save us by Thy hand;
The King give answer when we call.