Voices Together ‎#421

421. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

1 A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing.
Our present help amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing. .
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe
with craft and cunning great,
and armed with cruel hate;
on earth there is no equal.

2 If we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
but there is one who takes our side,
the one of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be:
Christ Jesus, it is he!
The Lord of hosts by name,
from age to age the same.
None else can win the battle.

3 And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we tremble not, for God has willed
that truth will triumph through us.
Though Satan rant and rage
and fiercest war engage,
such wrath we can endure,
for evil’s doom is sure.
One little word shall end it.

4 That Word beyond all earthly pow’rs,
no thanks to them, is sounding.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours,
by God’s good grace abounding.
Lay down all earthly fame,
wealth, fam’ly, life, and name.
The body they may kill;
God’s truth will triumph still.
God’s reign endures forever.

Text Information

• First Line: A mighty fortress is our God
• Title: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
• Author: Martin Luther (1527-1529)
• Translator: Frederick H. Hedge (1852, alt.)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.6.6.6.6.7
• Publication Date: 2020
• Scripture:
  2 Samuel 22:2-7
  ;
  Psalm 18:1-3
  ;
  Psalm 46
  ;
  Psalm 91:1-2
  ;
  Psalm 144:1-2
• Topic: Courage; Evil; Faith; God: Images and Names of; God: Power of; Protection; Reign of God; Heritage: 16th-Century; Psalms
• Source: Based on Psalm 46; “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott,” 1529, 1531

Tune Information

• Name: EIN FESTE BURG
• Composer: Martin Luther (1529)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.6.6.6.6.7
• Key: D Major
• Source: Geistliche Lieder, 1529, 1531