Psalms, carefully suited to the Christian worship in the United States of America ‎#159

159. Israel's rebellion and punishment; or, The sins and chastisements of God's people

1 O what a stiff rebellious house
Was Jacob's ancient race!
False to their own most solemn vows,
And to their Maker's grace!

2 They broke the cov'nant of his love,
And did his laws despise;
Forgot the works he wrought to prove
His pow'r before their eyes!

3 They saw the plagues on Egypt 'light
From his avenging hand:
What dreadful tokens of his might
Spread o'er the stubborn land!

4 They saw him cleave the mighty sea,
And march'd with safety through,
With wat'ry walls to guard their way,
'Till they had 'scap'd the foe.

5 A wond'rous pillar mark'd the road,
Compos'd of shade and light;
By day it prov'd a shelt'ring cloud,
A leading fire by night.

6 He from the rock their thirst supplied;
The gushing waters flow'd,
And ran in rivers by their side,
Along the desert road.

7 Yet they provok'd the Lord Most High,
And dar'd distrust his hand:
"Can he with bread our host supply
"Amidst this desert land?"

8 The Lord with indignation heard,
And caus'd his wrath to flame?
His terrors ever stand prepar'd
To vindicate his name.

Text Information

• First Line: O what a stiff rebellious house
• Title: Israel's rebellion and punishment; or, The sins and chastisements of God's people
• Meter: Common Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1791
• Scripture:
  Psalm 78
• Notes: Second part

Tune Information

(No tune information)