Church Hymnary (4th ed.) ‎#454

454. A safe stronghold our God is still

1 A safe stronghold our God is still,
a trusty shield and weapon;
he'll keep us clear from all the ill
that hath us now o'ertaken.
The ancient prince of hell
hath risen with purpose fell;
strong mail of craft and power
he weareth in this hour;
on earth is not his fellow.

2 With force of arms we nothing can,
full soon were we down-ridden;
but for us fights the proper Man,
whom God himself hath bidden.
Ask ye who is this same?
Christ Jesus is his name,
the Lord Sabaoth's Son;
he, and no other one,
shall conquer in the battle.

3 And were this world all devils o'er,
and watching to devour us,
we lay it not to heart so sore;
they cannot overpower us.
And let the prince of ill
look grim as e'er he will,
he harms us not a whit;
for why? his doom is writ;
a word shall quickly slay him.

4 God's word, for all their craft and force,
one moment will not linger,
but, spite of hell, shall have its course;
'tis written by his finger.
And, though they take our life,
goods, honour, children, wife,
yet is their profit small;
these things shall vanish all:
the city of God remaineth.

Text Information

• First Line: A safe stronghold our God is still
• German Title: Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott
• Translator: Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)
• Author: Martin Luther (1483-1546)
• Meter: 87 87 66 66 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2005
• Scripture:
  1 Peter 5:8
  ;
  1 Samuel 17:47
  ;
  Colossians 1:27
  ;
  Ephesians 6:11
  ;
  Galatians 5:22-23
  ;
  Hebrews 13:8
  ;
  Isaiah 55:11
  ;
  Job 1:6-22
  ;
  John 20:10-18
  ;
  Matthew 24:35
  ;
  Psalm 33:16
  ;
  Psalm 44:6
  ;
  Psalm 46
  ;
  Revelation 12:9
• Topic: Life in Christ: Christ Risen - Reign and Priesthood; Conflict; God: Protection of; Victory

Tune Information

• Name: EIN' FESTE BURG
• Composer: Martin Luther (1483-1546)
• Harmonizer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
• Meter: 87 87 66 66 7
• Key: C Major