Psalms 81-83

Psalm 81

1 O GOD our strength, to Thee the song With grateful hearts we raise; To Thee, and Thee alone belong All worship, love, and praise.

2 In trouble's dark and stormy hour Thine ear hath heard our prayer, And graciously Thine arm of power Hath saved us from despair.

3 And Thou, O ever gracious Lord, Wilt keep Thy promise still, If, meekly hearkening to Thy word, We seek to do Thy will.

4 Led by the light Thy grace imparts, Ne'er may we bow the knee To idols which our wayward hearts Set up instead of Thee.

5 So shall Thy choicest gifts, O Lord, Thy faithful people bless, For them shall earth its stores afford, And heaven its happiness.

Harriett Auber, 1829.

Psalm 82

1 THE kings of earth are in the hands Of God who reigns on high;

He in their council-chamber stands, And sees with watchful eye.

2 Though foolish princes tyrants prove, And tread the godly down;

Though earth's foundations all remove;

He weareth still the crown.

3 They proudly boast a godlike birth, In death like men they fall;

Arise. O God, and judge the earth, And role the nations all.

4 When shall Thy Son, the Prince of Peace, Descend with glorious power?

Then only shall oppression cease:

Oh, haste the welcome hour.

Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.

Psalm 83

1 O GOD, be Thou no longer still, Thy foes are leagued against Thy law;

Make bare Thine arm on Zion's hill, Great Captain of our Holy War.

2 As Amalek and Ishmael Had war for ever with Thy seed, So all the hosts of Rome and hell Against Thy Son their armies lead.

3 Though they're agreed in nought beside.

Against Thy truth they all unite;

They rave against the Crucified, And hate the gospel's growing might

4 By Kishon's brook all Jabin's band At Thy rebuke were swept away;

O Lord, display Thy mighty hand, A single stroke shall win the day.

5 Come, rushing wind, the stubble chase I Come, sacred fire, the forest burn!

Come, Lord, with all Thy conquering grace, Rebellious hearts to Jesus turn!

6 That men may know at once that Thou, Jehovah, lovest truth right well; And that Thy church shall never bow Before the boastful gates of hell.

Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.