Why do the Heathen madly rage

Verse 1

Why do the heathen madly rage. And in assembled tumults join? Why do rash people thus engage, And such vain fruitless schemes design?

Verse 2

Kings of the earth their force unite, And rulers their deep plots contrive; Against the Lord they vent their spite, Against his Christ they boldly strive.

Verse 3

Come, say they, let us break their bands, "Shall we our homage to them pay? We'll ne'er be slaves to their commands, We'll cast their servile cords away."

Verse 4

But he who sits enthroned on high, Beholds with a disdainful smile; The Lord who rules above the sky, Derides their strength, their rage, and guile.

Verse 5

Then to them, in his wrath, he speaks. While vengeance in his thunder rowls; His hot displeasure on them breaks, And sore vexation fills their souls.

Verse 6

"Know ye, that I have fix'd the throne, Of mine anointed King most sure, On Zion's sacred hill alone; There it forever stands secure.

Verse 7

"This is the firm decree I've made, 'Tis past in Heaven, and changeth not; Thou art my Son, (Jehovah said) This very Day I Thee begot.

Verse 8

"Ask, now, my Son, I'll freely give; Inherit thou the heathen lands; Through utmost bounds of earth receive Subjection to thy just commands.

Verse 9

"Thou shalt them crush, who dare oppose, As with a massy iron rod; Thou shalt in pieces dash thy foes, As potters vessels spread abroad.

Verse 10

Be wise, now, O ye Kings, and hear. Ye judges of the earth, his voice:

Verse 11

Serve ye the Lord with inward fear, Before him tremble, and rejoice.

Verse 12

Kiss ye the Son, lest in the way Ye perish, when his anger glows; Lest kindling wrath your crimes repay, Bless'd all in him their trust repose.