Why do the heathen furious rage

Verse 1

Why do the heathen furious rage, And in such tumults join? Why do the people madly storm, And such vain schemes design?

Verse 2

The Gentile kings unite their strength, And Israel's priests contrive; Against the Lord they bend their force, Against his Christ they strive.

Verse 3

"Come say they, let us break their bands Shall we them homage pay; We'll ne'er submit to their hard yoke, We'll cast their cords away."

Verse 4

But he that sits in Heaven, beholds, With a disdainful smile; The Lord, their feeble strength derides, Their malice, and their guile.

Verse 5

Then, in his wrath, he'll speak aloud. And thunder in their ears; While hovering vengeance fills their souls, With dreadful vexing fears.

Verse 6

"Know, mine anointed King, I've fix'd On Zion's sacred plot;

Verse 7

" 'Tis my decree; thou art my Son, This day I Thee begot.

Verse 8

"Ask me, I'll give the heathen tribes For thine inheritance; Through utmost bounds of earth, thy sway Shall gloriously advance.

Verse 9

"Thou shalt them crush, who dare rebel, As with an iron rod; Them, as a potter's vessel, dashed, In pieces spread abroad."

Verse 10

Be wise, now, O ye kings, and hear. Earth's judges, his mild voice:

Verse 11

Serve ye the Lord with fear, before Him tremble, and rejoice.

Verse 12

Kiss ye the Son, lest flaming wrath You in your way surprise; His wrath's but kindling yet: they're blest Whose trust on him relies.