You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

283b. Had not the Lord, may Isr'el say

1 Had not the Lord, may Isr'el say,
Had not the Lord maintain'd our side,
When men to make our lives a prey,
Rose like the swelling of the tide:

2 The swelling tide had stopt our breath,
So fiercely did the waters roll,
We had been swallow'd deep in death;
Proud waters had o'erwhelmed our soul.

3 We leap for joy, we shout and sing,
Who just escap'd the fatal stroke:
So flies the bird with cheerful wing,
When once the fowler's snare is broke.

4 For ever blessed be the Lord,
Who broke the fowler's cursed snare,
Who sav'd us from the murd'ring sword
And made our lives and souls his care!

5 Our help is in Jehovah's name,
Who form'd the earth and built the skies;
He who upholds that wond'rous frame
Guards his own church with watchful eyes.

Text Information
First Line: Had not the Lord, may Isr'el say
Meter: L. M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1790
Scripture:
Notes: Public Domain.
Tune Information
(No tune information)



Media
More media are available on the text authority page.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.