Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship ‎#38

38. Psalm 72

1. Hail to the Lord's anointed!
Great David's greater Son;
Hail in the time appointed,
His reign on Earth begun!
He comes to break oppression,
To let the captive free,
To take away transgression,
And rule in equity.

2. He comes with rescue speedy
To those who suffer wrong,
To help the poor and needy,
And bid the weak be strong,
To give them songs for sighing,
Their darkness turn to light,
Whose souls, condemned and dying,
Are precious in his sight.

3. He shall come down like showers
Upon the fruitful earth,
And love, joy, hope, like flowers
Spring in his path to birth;
Before him on the mountains
Shall peace, the herald, go,
And righteousness, in fountains,
From hill to valley flow.

4. Kings shall fall down before him
And gold and incense bring;
All nations shall adore him;
His praise all people sing;
For he shall have dominion
O’er river, sea, and shore,
Far as the eagle’s pinion
Or dove’s light wing can soar.

5. O’er every foe victorious
He on his throne shall rest,
From age to age more glorious,
All-blessing and all-blest;
The tide of time shall never
His covenant remove;
His name shall stand forever;
That name to us is love.

Text Information

• First Line: Hail to the Lord's anointed!
• Title: Psalm 72
• Paraphraser: James Montgomery (1822)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2024
• Scripture:
  Psalm 72
• Topic: Epiphany
• Notes: Text versified by Moravian poet-editor James Montgomery, from Songs of Zion (1822), rev. in Original Hymns (1853).

Tune Information

• Name: CRÜGER
• Composer: Johann Crüger (1640)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
• Incipit: 56543 23
• Key: F Major or modal
• Notes: Tune CRÜGER by Johann Crüger, from Newes vollkömmliches Gesangbuch (1640), adapt. and arr. by W.H. Monk for Hymns Ancient & Modern (1861).