Psalm 144

Abraham Coles

3 My Goodness, Fortress and High Tower,
Deliverer and Shield,
My Trust, He Who my people makes
Subjection to me yield.

3 Lord what is man that Thou shouldst know
4 Or think of him? A breath —
The shadow of a flying cloud
Swept by the wind of death.

5 Thy heaven of heavens, Jehovah, bow;
In majesty come down;
The mountains touch so that they smoke;
And, from Thy gathered frown,

6 Cast lightnings forth, and scatter them —
Confounding arrows hurl;
7 Stretch out Thy hand from highest heaven.
And snatch me from the whirl

Of whelming waters; from the hands
Of aliens threatening nigh;
8 From those whose mouth deception speaks,
And whose right hand's a lie!

9 I'll then a new song unto Thee
Indite and sing, O Lord!
I will sing praises unto Thee
Upon the decachord.

10 Thou dost salvation give to kings,
From hurtful sword dost free
Thy servant David: Wherefore, Lord,
11 Deliverance give to me,

Out of the hands of aliens, those
Whose false mouths testify,
And whose right hand is lifted up
To solemnize a lie —

12 So that our sons may be as plants,
To ripeness grown full soon;
Our daughters be as corner-stones
For a fair palace hewn;

13 Our garners be heaped high with corn;
Our flocks be multiplied.
By thousands and ten thousands, spread
O'er vale and mountain-side;

14 Our oxen drawing loaded wains,
Men's eyes delighted greet;
No breaking in, no going out,
No outcry in the street.

15 Happy the people, who are thus
Honored of God as His!
Happy the people, happiest known
Whose God Jehovah is!