Psalms of David 48
48
PSALM XLVIII.
C. M.
1THE Lord, the only God is great,
And greatly to be prais’d
In Sion, on whose happy mount
His sacred throne is rais’d.
2Her tow’rs, the joy of all the earth,
With beauteous prospect rise;
On her north side th’ Almighty King’s
Imperial city lies.
3God in her palaces is known;
His presence is her guard:
4Confed’rate kings withdrew their siege,
And of success despair’d.
5They view’d her walls, admir’d and fled,
With grief and terror struck;
6Like women whom the sudden pangs
Of travail had o’ertook.
7No wretched crew of mariners
Appear like them forlorn,
When fleets from Tarshish’ wealthy coasts
By eastern winds are torn.
8In Sion we have seen perform’d
A work that was foretold;
In pledge that God, for times to come,
His city will uphold.
9Not in our fortresses and walls
Did we, O God, confide;
But on the temple fix’d our hopes,
In which thou dost reside.
10According to thy sov’reign Name,
Thy praise through earth extends;
Thy pow’rful arm, as justice guides,
Chastises or defends.
11Let Sion’s mount with joy resound,
Her daughters all be taught
In songs his judgments to extol,
Who this deliv’rance wrought.
12Compass her walls in solemn pomp,
Your eyes quite round her cast;
Count all her tow’rs, and see if there
You find a stone displac’d.
13Her forts and palaces survey,
Observe their order well;
That with assurance to your heirs
This wonder you may tell.
14This God is ours, and will be ours,
Whilst we in him confide;
Who, as he has preserv’d us now,
Till death will be our guide.
Currently Selected:
Psalms of David 48: MP1696
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
First published 1696, improved 1698.
