149. All Hail to God’s Anointed (Psalm 72)

1 All hail to God’s anointed,
great David’s greater Son!
All hail, in time appointed,
your reign on earth begun!
You come to break oppression,
to set the captive free,
to take away transgression
and rule in equity.

2 You come with rescue speedy
to those who suffer wrong,
to help the poor and needy
and bid the weak be strong;
to give them songs for sighing,
their darkness turn to light,
whose souls, condemned and dying,
are precious in your sight.

3 You shall come down like showers
upon the fruitful earth;
love, joy, and hope, like flowers,
spring in your path to birth.
Before you on the mountains
shall peace, the herald, go,
and righteousness in fountains
from hill to valley flow.

4 All rulers bow before you,
and gold and incense bring.
All nations shall adore you;
your praise all people sing.
To you shall prayer unceasing
and daily vows ascend.
Your rule is still increasing;
your rule is without end.

Text Information
First Line: All hail to God's anointed
Title: All Hail to God’s Anointed (Psalm 72)
Author: James Montgomery (1821, alt.)
Meter: 7.6.7.6.D
Language: English
Publication Date: 2013
Scripture: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Topic: Adoration; Christian Year: Nativity/Christmas; Christian Year: Epiphany (4 more...)
Tune Information
Name: ROCKPORT
Composer: Thomas Tertuis Noble (1938)
Meter: 7.6.7.6.D
Key: f minor
Copyright: © 1941 United Church Press (admin. The Pilgrim Press)


Text Information:

Originally a celebration of God’s sovereignty, Psalm 72 has often been given a Christological interpretation, notably in Isaac Watts’s “Jesus Shall Reign” (see no. 265). The references to rulers here probably influenced the view that the Magi of Matthew 2 were kings (see no. 151).


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