Scripture Verse

Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. Psalm 147:1

Introduction

portrait
John B. Dykes (1823–1876)

Words: Pa­ra­phrase of Psalm 147. Au­thor un­known.

Music: Blair­gow­rie John B. Dykes, 1872 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

O sing ye hallelujah!
’Tis good our God to praise.
’Tis pleasant and becoming
To Him our songs to raise;
He builds the walls of Zion,
He seeks her wandering sons;
He binds their wounds and comforts
The brokenhearted ones.

The starry hosts He numbers,
He calls them all by name;
His greatness and His wisdom
His wondrous works pro­claim;
The meek He lifts to honor,
He humbles sinful pride.
Give thanks to Him and utter
His praises far and wide.

The heav’ns with clouds He covers,
He sends the cheering rain;
The slopes of all the mountains
He fills with grass and grain;
To beast and bird His goodness
Their daily food supplies;
He cares for all His creatures,
Attentive to their cries.

No human power delights Him,
No earthly pomp or pride;
He loves the meek who fear Him
And in His love confide;
Then praise thy God, O Zion,
His gracious aid confess;
He gives thee peace and plenty,
His gifts thy children bless.

He sends His swift commandment,
And snow and ice enfold
The world, and none are able
To stand before His cold.
Again He gives commandment:
The winds of summer blow,
The snow and ice are melted,
Again the waters flow.

His statues and His judgments
He makes His people know;
To them as to no others
His grace He loves to show;
For matchless grace and mercy
Your grateful praises bring;
To give Him thanks for­ev­er
And hallelujah sing.