IN Judah God of old was known: His name in Israel great; In Salem stood His royal throne, And Zion was His seat.
From Zion went His awesome word, Which broke the threatening spear, The bow, the arrow and the sword, And crushed th’oppressor’s war.
What power can stand before His sight When once His wrath appears? When He reveals His power and might The earth lies still and fears.
The wrath of man shall work His praise In God’s delivering hour, For in conspicuous saving ways He shows superior power.
Yield to the Lord, and tribute bring, You rulers—fear His frown; His judgements shake the proudest king, And bring his armies down.
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748‡