1 Christ shall have dominion over land and sea;
earth's remotest regions shall his empire be.
They that wilds inhabit shall their worship bring;
kings shall bring their tribute, nations serve our King.

2 When the needy seek him, he will mercy show;
all the weak and helpless shall his pity know.
He will surely save them from oppression's might,
for their lives are precious in his holy sight.

3 Ever and forever shall his name endure;
long as suns continue it shall stand secure.
And in him forever nations shall be blest,
and all peoples hail him King of kings confessed.

4 Unto God Almighty joyful Zion sings;
he alone is glorious, doing wondrous things.
Evermore, O people, bless his glorious name,
his eternal glory through the earth proclaim.

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 72:8-11
st. 2 = Ps. 72:12-14
st. 3 = Ps. 72:15-17
st. 4 = Ps. 72:18-19

Found in the 1912 Psalter and in every edition of the Psalter Hymnal, this mission hymn is based on Psalm 72:8-19 (for comments on Psalm 72 see PHH 72).

The paraphrase in New Testament language proclaims the worldwide rule of Christ over all peoples and kingdoms (st. 1, vv. 8-11); his saving mercy to the needy and oppressed (st. 2, vv. 12-14); and the blessings of his endless reign (st. 3, vv. 15-17). The final stanza is a doxology (originally the doxology that ended Book II of the psalms; see Psalm 72:19). This beloved royal psalm has several settings in the Psalter Hymnal (72, 359,412, and 630).

Liturgical Use:
This great messianic psalm is appropriate for Advent, Epiphany, and Ascension; useful in missions services, ecumenical gatherings, and church festivals such as Worldwide Communion, All Nations Sunday, and All Saints Day or Reformation.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook