Scripture Verse

Hear the Word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. Isaiah 1:10

Introduction

illustration
Lot Escaping Sodom
Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528)

Words: From Scot­tish Trans­la­tions and Pa­ra­phras­es, 1781.

Music: Che­shire Es­te’s Psal­ter, 1592 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Dundee Scot­tish Psal­ter, 1615 (🔊 pdf nwc)

Lyrics

Rulers of Sodom! hear the voice
Of Heav’n’s eter­nal Lord;
Men of Gomorrah! bend your ear
Submissive to His Word.

’Tis thus He speaks; to what intent
Are your oblations vain?
Why load My altars with your gifts,
Polluted and profane?

Burnt offerings long may blaze to Heav’n,
And incense cloud the skies;
The worship and the worshipper
Are hateful in My eyes.

Your rites, your fasts, your prayers, I scorn,
And pomp of solemn days:
I know your hearts are full of guile,
And crooked are your ways.

But cleanse your hands, ye guilty race,
And cease from deeds of sin;
Learn in your actions to be just,
And pure in heart within.

Mock not My name with honors vain,
But keep My holy laws;
Do justice to the friendless poor,
And plead the widow’s cause.

Then, though your guilty souls are stained
With sins of crimson dye,
Yet, through My grace with snow itself
In whiteness they shall vie.