O God of Earth and Altar

G. K. Chesterton (1906) • English

Primary Scripture: Exodus 20:24

Verse 1

O God of earth and altar, bow down and hear our cry, our earthly rulers falter, our people drift and die; the walls of gold entomb us, the swords of scorn divide, take not thy thunder from us, but take away our pride.

Verse 2

From all that terror teaches, from lies of tongue and pen, from all the easy speeches that comfort cruel men, from sale and profanation of honour and the sword, from sleep and from damnation, deliver us, good Lord!

Verse 3

Tie in a living tether the prince and priest and thrall, bind all our lives together, smite us and save us all; in ire and exultation aflame with faith, and free, lift up a living nation, a single sword to thee.

Scripture References

Reference 1

exodus 20:24

Reference 2

1-samuel 15:10-11

Reference 3

2-kings 11:17

Reference 4

2-kings 23:1-3

Reference 5

2-chronicles 7:14

Reference 6

job 5:19

Reference 7

job 26:14

Reference 8

psalms 119:67

Reference 9

proverbs 14:34

Reference 10

isaiah 2:12-22