Psalm 68 Poem by Isaac Watts

The Vengeance and Compassion of God

Let God arise in all his might,
And put the troops of hell to flight;,
As smoke that sought to cloud the skies
Before the rising tempest flies.

[He comes array’d in burning flames;,
Justice and vengeance are his names;
Behold his fainting foes expire,
Like melting wax before the fire.]

He rides and thunders thro’ the sky;
His name Jehovah sounds on high;
Sing to his name, ye sons of grace;
Ye saints rejoice before his face.

The widow and the fatherless
Fly to his aid in sharp distress;
In him the poor and helpless find
A Judge that’s just, a Father kind.

He breaks the captive’s heavy chain,
And pris’ners see the light again;
But rebels that dispute his will,
Shall dwell in chains and darkness still.

Kingdoms and thrones to God belong;
Crown him, ye nations, in your song:
His wond’rous names and pow’rs rehearse;
His honours shall enrich your verse.

He shakes the heav’ns with loud alarms;
How terrible is God in arms!
In Isr’el are his mercies known,
Isr’el is his peculiar throne.

Proclaim him king, pronounce him blest;
He’s your defence, your joy, your rest:
When terrors rise, and nations faint,
God is the strength of ev’ry saint.

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