1 Christ is the King and he shall reign
from sea to utmost sea,
and unto earth's remotest bounds
his peaceful rule shall be.

2 Tribes that in farthest deserts dwell
shall bow before his throne;
his enemies shall be subdued,
and he shall rule alone.

3 Kings all shall come from distant lands
and islands of the sea;
their offerings they shall bring to him
and wait on bended knee.

4 He will deliver those in need,
the weak who cry in fear;
he shall redeem them from all wrong;
their life to him is dear.

5 Long shall he live, so bring to him
your gifts of finest gold;
to him shall constant prayer be made,
his praise each day be told.

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 72:8
st. 2 = Ps. 72:9
st. 3 = Ps. 72:10-11
st. 4 = Ps. 72:12-14
st. 5 = Ps. 72:15

A paraphrase of Psalm 72:8-15, this Epiphany text comes from the 1912 Psalter. (For general comments on this psalm, see PHH 72.)

The text begins with a Christological interpretation of what was originally a Hebrew royal psalm (st. 1). It goes on to say that distant tribes and foreign kings (all nations) will bring tribute to Christ, and he will subdue his enemies (st. 2-3), that Christ's rule will bring redress for the poor and needy (st. 4), and that like those foreign kings, we too may bring our "gold" and our offerings of praise to Christ (st. 5). Psalm 72:8-15 fits well with the Epiphany gospel of the wise men bringing their gifts to the infant Jesus. It is also fitting testimony to Christ's cosmic rule, which should spur us to ongoing missionary work.

Liturgical Use:
For any worship service (see PHH 72 for other comments on use); Epiphany Sunday, especially stanzas 3 and 5.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook