The Psalms of David ‎#CXLIV

CXLIV. For ever bless'd be GOD, the LORD

1 For ever bless'd be GOD, the LORD,
Who does his needful Aid impart,
At once both Strength and Skill afford
To wield my Arms with warlike Art;
He is my Fort, my Tow'r and shield,
And makes fierce Nations to me yield.

2 LORD, what's in Man that thou should'st love,
Of him such tender Care to take?
What in his Offspring could thee move,
Such great Account of him to make?
Man's Thoughts are vain, his Life doth fade,
And passeth like a flying Shade.

3 In solemn State, O GOD, descend,
Whilst Heav'n it's lofty Head inclines;
The smoking Hills in sunder rend,
Of thy Approach the awful Signs,
With Lightnings fierce thy foes defeat,
With Arrows make their Fall compleat.

4 Do thou, O LORD, from Heav'n engage
Thy boundless Pow'r my Foes to quell;
And snatch me from the stormy Rage
Of threat'ning Waves that proudly swell;
From Foes, whose Speeches all are vain,
Whose right Hand Wickedness maintain.

5 So I to thee, O King of Kings,
In new-made Hymns my Voice shall raise,
And Instruments of various Strings
Shall help me thus to sing thy Praise,
"GOD does to Kings his Succour send,
"His Servant David he'll defend."

6 Fight thou against my foreign Foes,
Who utter Speeches false and vain;
Who, though in solemn Leagues they close,
Their sworn Engagements ne'er maintain;
Our Sons shall then like Fruit-Trees grow,
Our Daughters like fair Pillars show.

7 Our Garners fill'd with various Store,
Shall us and ours with Plenty feed;
Our Sheep, encreasing more and more,
Shall Thousands and Ten thousands breed;
Strong shall our lab'ring Oxen grow,
Whilst we no War or Slav'ry know.

8 Our Wealth shall never feel Decay,
No Sorrow in our Streets be found;
Our Days in Peace shall glide away,
Whilst we in ev'ry Good abound;
Thrice happy is that Peoples Case,
Whose various Blessing thus abound:
Who GOD's true Worship still embrace.

Text Information

• First Line: For ever bless'd be GOD, the LORD
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1767
• Scripture:
  Psalm 144
• Topic: Description of: Happiness of Man; Description of: Misery and Vanity of human Life; Prayers: When percecuted; Thanksgivings: For Victories

Tune Information

• Name: [For ever bless'd be God, the Lord]
• Key: C Major