In Judah God of old was known

Verse 1

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

Verse 2

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

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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?

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 9

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

Verse 10

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