Psalm 33

Abraham Coles

4 Sing how Jehovah's word is right—
The awful rule of rectitude:
His works of mercy and of might,
How faithfully He has pursued:
5 How loves He righteousness; how earth
He fills with melody and mirth!

6 Say, By His word the heavens were made,
And their unreckonable hosts:
7 He garnered seas, their depths uplaid
In magazines shut in by coasts:
He bound the whole by chains of law —
8 Let the earth fear and stand in awe.

9 All things that are, in Him begun —
By Him created in the past!
He spake the word, and it was done;
Commanded, and the world stood fast.
On high He sits, serene and calm,
Holding creation in His palm.

10 The counsels of the nations He
Makes void, their thoughts of none effect;
11 His counsels stand eternally,
Impaired by time in no respect.
12 Happy the nation, happiest known.
Whose God Jehovah is alone.

13 The Lord from heaven at once surveys
The myriads of human birth;
14 From His high throne directs His gaze
On all th'inhabitants of earth:
15 He fashioned all their hearts, and knows
Who are His friends and who His foes.

16 Not by the number of his host
Is the king saved, and victory gained;
Not by his might, the warrior's boast.
Is his deliverance obtained.
17 The war-horse, when it has to cope
With mightier strength, is a vain hope.

18 Jehovah watches from above
The trembling footsteps of the just:
19 From famine, and from death, in love.
Preserves all those who in Him trust.
20 To us, O Lord! our Help! our Shield!
Be now Thy saving power revealed!

21 Our heart in Thee shall happy rest.
Because we've trusted in Thy Name;
Thy faithfulness 't is sweet to test —
Thou Who forever art the same.
22 Thy mercy, Lord, upon us be,
According as we hope in Thee.