Christ's death, resurrection and ascension

Verse 1

Why did the Jews proclaim their rage? The Romans, why their swords employ? Against the Lord their powers engage, His dear Anointed to destroy?

Verse 2

"Come, let us break his bands," they say, "This man shall never give us laws:" And thus they cast his yoke away, And nailed the Monarch to the cross.

Verse 3

But God, who high in glory reigns, Laughs at their pride, their rage controls, He'll vex their hearts with inward pains, And speak in thunder to their souls.

Verse 4

"I will maintain the King I made On Zion's everlasting hill; My hand shall bring him from the dead, And he shall stand your Sovereign still."

Verse 5

His wondrous rising from the earth Makes his eternal Godhead known; The Lord declares his heav'nly birth, "This day have I begot my Son.

Verse 6

"Ascend, my Son, to my right hand, There thou shalt ask, and I bestow, The utmost bounds of heathen lands; To thee the Northern Isles shall bow."

Verse 7

But nations that resist his grace Shall fall beneath his iron stroke; His rod shall crush his foes with ease, As potters' earthen work is broke.

Verse 8

Now, ye that sit on earthly thrones, Be wise, and serve the Lord, the Lamb; Now at his feet submit your crowns, Rejoice and tremble at his name.

Verse 9

With humble love address the Son, Lest he grow angry, and ye die; His wrath will burn to worlds unknown, If ye provoke his jealousy.

Verse 10

His storms shall drive you quick to hell; He is a God, and ye but dust: Happy the souls that know him well, And make his grace their only trust.