HAIL TO THE LORD'S ANOINTED
"He will judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with
justice." Psalms 72:1-2
Words: James Montgomery, 1821.
Music: "Ellacombe," Gesangbuch der H. W. k. Hofkapelle, Wurtemberg,
1784; adaptation and harmony by William Henry Monk, 1868.
Hail to the Lord's anointed, great David's greater Son!
Hail in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free;
To take away transgression and rule in equity.
He comes with succor speedy to those who suffer wrong;
To help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong;
To give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light,
Whose souls, condemned and dying, are precious in His sight.
He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth;
Love, joy, and hope, like flowers, spring in His path to birth.
Before Him, on the mountains, shall peace, the herald, go,
And righteousness, in fountains, from hill to valley flow.
Arabia's desert ranger to Him shall bow the knee;
The Ethiopian stranger His glory come to see;
With offerings of devotion ships from the isles shall meet,
To pour the wealth of oceans in tribute at His feet.
Kings shall fall down before Him, and gold and incense bring;
All nations shall adore Him, His praise all people sing;
For Him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend;
His kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end.
O'er every foe victorious, He on His throne shall rest;
From age to age more glorious, all blessing and all blessed.
The tide of time shall never His covenant remove;
His Name shall stand forever, His changeless Name of love.