Scripture Verse

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? Psalm 2:1

Introduction

Words: From The New Me­tri­cal Ver­sion of the Psalms (Pitts­burgh, Penn­syl­van­ia: Unit­ed Pres­by­te­ri­an Board of Pub­li­ca­tion, 1909), page 8.

Music: Mes­si­ah Lou­is J. F. Hé­rold, 1830. Ar­ranged by George Kings­ley, 1838 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
Louis J. F. Hérold (1791–1833)

Lyrics

Wherefore do the nations rage,
And the people vainly dream,
That in triumph they can wage
War against the King supreme?
Christ His Son a scoff they make
And the rulers plotting say:
Their dominion let us break,
Let us cast their yoke away.

But the Lord will scorn them all,
Calm He sits enthroned on high;
Soon His wrath will on them fall,
Sore displeased He will reply:
Yet according to My will
I have set My King to reign,
And on Zion’s holy hill
Mine Anointed I maintain.

This His word shall be made known,
This Je­ho­vah’s firm decree:
Thou art My belovèd Son,
Yea, I have begotten Thee.
All the earth at Thy request
I will give Thee for Thine own;
Then Thy might shall be confessed
And Thy foes be overthrown.

Therefore, kings, be wise, give ear;
Hearken, judges of the earth;
Learn to serve the Lord with fear,
Mingle trembling with your mirth.
Kiss the Son, lest o’er your way
His consuming wrath should break;
But supremely blest are they
Who in Christ their refuge take.