Ye sons of Zion, praise the Lord

Verse 1

Ye sons of Zion, praise the LORD, Come tune your songs in sweet accord, Awake my soul, awake and join The sacred hymn, in notes divine.

Verse 2

The praises of my God, my king, (While I have life or breath to sing,) Shall fill my heart, and tune my tongue, 'Till heaven improve the blissful song.

Verse 3

No more in princes vainly trust, Frail sons of earth; man is but dust! With all his pride, with all his power, The helpless creature of an hour.

Verse 4

He breathes, he thinks, but ah, he dies No more the potent, or the wise; The scheme his morning thoughts begun, Sinks down before the setting sun.

Verse 5

Happy the man, whose hopes divine On Israel's guardian God recline! Who can with sacred transport say, This God is mine, my help, my stay.

Verse 6

Heaven, earth, and sea declare His Name; He built and fill'd their spacious frame: But o'er creation's fairest lines His steadfast truth unchanging shines.

Verse 7

His justice favors those who mourn, Beneath the proud oppressor's scorn; The hungry poor His hand sustains, And breaks the wretched captive's chains.

Verse 8

To sightless eyes, long clos'd in night His touch restores the joys of light; Poor mourners rais'd confess His care, He loves the humble and sincere.

Verse 9

If wandering strangers friendless roam, Divine protection is their home; The LORD relieves the widow's cares, And dries the weeping orphan's tears.

Verse 10

But vengeance waits the impious race Who hate His laws, and scorn His grace; Their ways to sure destruction tend, And all their hopes in ruin end.

Verse 11

The LORD shall reign forever king, And age to age His glory sing; Thy God, O happy Zion, reigns, Resound His praise in joyful strains.