The Vengeance and Compassion of God

Let God arise in all his might

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 45 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 Let God arise in all His might,
and put the troops of hell to flight,
as smoke, that sought to cloud the skies,
before the rising tempest flies.

2 He comes arrayed in burning flames;
justice and vengeance are His names;
behold, His fainting foes expire
like melting wax before the fire!

3 He rides and thunders thro' the sky;
His name, Jehovah, sounds on high;
sing to His name, ye sons of grace;
ye saints rejoice before His face.

4 The widow and the fatherless
fly to His aid in sharp distress!
In Him the poor and helpless find
a judge that’s just, a Father kind.

5 He breaks the captive’s heavy chain,
and pris'ners see the light again;
but rebels that dispute His will,
shall dwell in chains and darkness still.

6 Kingdoms and thrones to God belong;
crown Him, ye nations, in your song;
His wondrous names and pow'rs rehearse;
His honors shall enrich your verse.

7 Proclaim Him King, pronounce Him blest;
He’s your defense, your joy, your rest:
when terrors rise, and nations faint,
God is the strength of every saint.

Source: Psalms and Hymns to the Living God #68B

Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Let God arise in all his might
Title: The Vengeance and Compassion of God
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Tune

BOURBON

A pentatonic (five-pitch) folk tune from the southern United States, BOURBON fits well with the penitential text of Psalm 38. The tune calls for unison singing, with accompaniment providing a firmly articulated rhythm. Like many pentatonic tunes, when unaccompanied it can be sung in canon after eith…

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MISSIONARY CHANT (Zeuner)


Timeline

Media

The Cyber Hymnal #3689
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  • Noteworthy Composer score (NWC)
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Instances

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Psalms and Hymns to the Living God #68B

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The Cyber Hymnal #3689

Include 43 pre-1979 instances
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