Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#83

83. O God, Do Not in Silence Stand

Text Information

• First Line: O God, do not in silence stand
• Title: O God, Do Not in Silence Stand
• Versifier: Clarence P. Walhout (1982)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Psalm 83
• Topic: Biblical Names & Places: Gideon; Judge, God/Christ as; Laments; Temptation & Trial; War & Revolution
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications

Tune Information

• Name: DETROIT
• Harmonizer: Emily R. Brink (1986)
• Meter: CM
• Key: d minor
• Source: Supplement to Kentucky Harmony, 1820
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications

Text Information:

A communal prayer asking God for protection against a great conspiracy of nations in order to show all the world that the LORD is God.

Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-3
st. 2 = vv. 4-8
st. 3 = vv. 9-12
st. 4 = vv. 13-15
st. 5 = vv. 15-17
st. 6 = v. 18

Psalm 83 dates from a time when Assyria was extending the tentacles of its power into Palestine. A great array of nations (all of Israel's near neighbors) jointly plotted–with Assyrian support–against the kingdom of the LORD. The psalmist appeals to God to rise in the face of these enemies (st. 1) who are plotting arrogantly (st. 2) and to destroy them as he did past enemies (st. 3). Blow these enemies away like chaff, 0 LORD, he prays (st. 4). Humble them so that they recognize their wickedness (st. 5). Show the world that you alone are "Most High over all the earth" (v. 18; st. 6). Clarence P. Walhout (PHH 6) versified this psalm in 1982 for the Psalter Hymnal.

Liturgical Use:
When the church is under attack; when the church offers intercessory prayer for those suffering persecution.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

Presumably named after the Michigan city and river, DETROIT was published anonymously in Ananias Davisson's shape-note tune book Supplement to Kentucky Harmony (1820). The tune is credited to "Bradshaw" in Virginia Harmony (1831) and Southern Harmony (1835). Emily R. Brink (PHH 158) harmonized the tune in 1986. Thought to be an Appalachian adaptation of an old English folk song, DETROIT has a fine melodic curve over its two long lines, ascending and then descending. Feel two beats per measure.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook