The Psalms of David ‎#CXXII

CXXII. O 'twas a joyful Sound to hear

1 O 'twas a joyful Sound to hear
Our num'rous Tribes devoutly say,
Up, Israel, to the Temple haste,
And keep your solemn festal Day:
At Salem's Courts we must appear,
With all our congregated Pow'rs;
In strong and beauteous Order rang'd,
Like her united Tow'rs.

2 'Tis hither, by Divine Command,
That all the Tribes of GOD repair;
Before his Ark, to celebrate
His holy Name with Praise and Pray'r.
Tribunals stand erected there,
Where Truth and Equity take place;
There stand the Courts and Palaces
Of holy David's Royal Race.

3 O, pray we then for Salem's Peace;
For they shall ever prosp'rous be,
(Thou holy City of our GOD!)
Who true Affection bear to thee:
May Peace within thy sacred Walls
For evermore a Guest be found;
With Plenty and Prosperity,
May all thy Palaces be crown'd!

4 For my dear Brethren's sake, and Friends,
To me no less than Brethren dear,
I'll pray, may Peace in Salem's Tow'rs
An everlasting Guest appear!
My Soul shall ever seek thy Good,
My Heart shall ever wish thee well;
For Sion and the Temple's sake,
Where GOD himself vouchsafes to dwell.

Text Information

• First Line: O 'twas a joyful Sound to hear
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1767
• Scripture:
  Psalm 122
• Topic: Description of: The Church: Establishment and Steadfastness; Prayers: Of the Church for her Preservation and Prosperity in all Ages

Tune Information

• Name: [O 'twas a joyful Sound to hear]
• Key: F Major