217. Why do the heathen rage?

1 Why do the heathen rage?
What are the nations dreaming?
In vain against the Lord
And His Anointed scheming,
Kings of the earth arise,
And leaguéd rulers say:
"Come, let us break their bands,
And cast their cords away."

2 He who is throned in heaven
Derides their preparation;
The Lord upon them pours
His scornful indignation:
Soon shall His voice of wrath
Their souls with terror thrill
"Yet I have set my King
On Zion's holy hill."--

3 Now will I cry aloud
And tell the Lord's great token:
"Thou art My Son," He saith:
To me the word was spoken:
"Yea, Thee have I this day
Begotten: ask of Me,
And Thine the heathen, Thine
Earth's utmost parts shall be:

4 Beneath Thine iron rod
Thy foemen shall be shattered,
As by the potter's hand
The broken shreds lie scattered."
Be wise, then, O ye kings,
Ye earthly judges, hear;
Serve ye the Lord with awe,
Rejoice with trembling fear.

5 Bow down and kiss the Son,
Lest, if His wrath awaken,
Ye fail and fade away,
For evermore forsaken.
Soon may His anger burn,
A lightly kindled flame;
Then blessed are all they
That trust His holy name.

Text Information
First Line: Why do the heathen rage?
Author: B. H. Kennedy (1860)
Meter: 6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6.
Publication Date: 1913
Topic: The Church Year: Sunday after New Year; Afflcition
Tune Information
Name: [Why do the heathen rage?]
Meter: 6, 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 6.
Key: a minor
Source: German, 1648



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