In Judah God of old was known

In Judah God of old was known

Author: Isaac Watts
Tune: [O wondrous Name, by prophets heard]
Published in 41 hymnals

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Representative Text

1 In Judah God of old was known;
His name in Israel great;
In Salem stood his holy throne,
And Zion was his seat.

2 Among the praises of his saints
His dwelling there he chose;
There he receiv'd their just complaints,
Against their haughty foes.

3 From Zion went his dreadful word,
And broke the threat'ning spear,
The bow, the arrows, and the sword,
And crush'd th’Assyrian war.

4 What are the earth’s wide kingdoms else
But mighty hills of prey?
The hill on which Jehovah dwells
Is glorious more than they.

5 ’Twas Zion’s king that stop'd the breath
Of captains and their bands;
The men of might slept fast in death,
That quells their warlike hands.

6 At thy rebuke, O Jacob’s God,
Both horse and chariot fell:
Who knows the terrors of thy rod?
Thy vengeance who can tell?

7 What pow'r can stand before thy sight,
When once thy wrath appears?
When heav’n shines round with dreadful light,
The earth adores and fears.

8 When God in his own sov'reign ways
Comes down to save the opprest,
The wrath of men shall work his praise,
And he’ll restrain the rest.

9 [Vows to the Lord and tribute bring,
Ye princes, fear his frown;
His terrors shake the proudest king,
And smite his armies down.

10 The thunder of his sharp rebuke
Our haughty foes shall feel;
For Jacob’s God hath not forsook,
But dwells in Zion still.]

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #P.LXXVI

Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: In Judah God of old was known
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.6.8.6
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

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The Cyber Hymnal #2990
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The Cyber Hymnal #2990

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