God's care of his People, and Punishment of Persecutors

Verse 1

My trust is in my heav'nly Friend, My hope in Thee, my God; Rise, and my helpless life defend, From those that seek my blood.

Verse 2

With insolence and fury they My soul to pieces tear, As hungry lions rend the prey, When no deliverer’s near.

Verse 3

If I had e'er provoked them first, Or once abused my foe, Then let them tread my life to dust, And lay mine honor low.

Verse 4

If there be malice found in me, I know Thy piercing eyes; I should not dare appeal to Thee, Nor ask my God to rise.

Verse 5

Arise, my God, lift up Thy hand, Their pride and power control; Awake to judgment, and command Deliverance for my soul.

Verse 6

Let sinners, and their wicked rage, Be humbled to the dust; Shall not the God of truth engage To vindicate the just?

Verse 7

He knows the heart, he tries the reins, He will defend th’upright His sharpest arrows he ordains Against the sons of spite.

Verse 8

For me their malice digged a pit, But there themselves are cast; My God makes all their mischief light On their own heads at last.

Verse 9

That cruel, persecuting race Must feel His dreadful sword; Awake, my soul, and praise the grace And justice of the LORD.