Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#449

449. O Righteous, in the Lord Rejoice

1 O righteous, in the Lord rejoice;
how pleasant that with joyful voice
God's saints his name should praise.
With harp and hymn of gladness sing,
your gift of sweetest music bring,
to him a new song raise.

2 The Lord God from his throne on high
looks down with clear and searching eye
on all that dwell below.
And he that fashioned heart and mind
looks ever down on humankind
the works of all to know.

3 His eye is on all those who fear;
to those who hope, the Lord is near
according to his word.
Death cannot touch those in his hand,
nor trouble conquer in the land;
we wait upon the Lord.

Text Information

• First Line: O righteous, in the Lord rejoice
• Title: O Righteous, in the Lord Rejoice
• Meter: 886 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Psalm 33:4-9
• Topic: Funerals; Creation and Providence; Church; Providence
• Source: Psalter, 1912, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: FRANCES
• Composer: James McGranahan, 1840-1907
• Meter: 886 D
• Key: A♭ Major

Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 33:1-3
st. 2 = Ps. 33:13-15
st. 3 = Ps. 33:18-20

A paraphrase of a number of verses in Psalm 33 (1-3, 13-15, and 18-20), this text was originally published in the 1912 Psalter. Marie J. Post (PHH 5) revised parts of that text for the 1959 Psalter Hymnal, a revision that was further altered for the 1987 edition. (See PHH 33 for a setting of the complete psalm and for additional general comments.)

The text testifies with joy that God's people are safe and secure in his hands and under his rule. Stanza 1 calls us to praise, stanza 2 confesses God's omniscience, and stanza 3 confesses God's providence.

Liturgical Use:
See PHH 33 for many uses; however, these stanzas do focus more specifically on God's intimate knowledge of our lives and on his guidance and protection.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

Better known for his gospel songs than his hymn tunes, James McGranahan (PHH 99) wrote FRANCES in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Copyrighted in 1901 by McGranahan, the tune was set to this text in the 1912 Psalter and in every edition of the Psalter Hymnal.

FRANCES is a rousing tune with strong ascending figures and a rhythmic drive that produces two very long musical lines. Sing in harmony; use bright organ registration and crisp articulation to support this energetic melody.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook