1914 @ The Church in captivity, implores help and protection, and prayeth for the advent of MESSIAH, the true and living Vine. 1 GIVE ear, great Shepherd of the sheep, Who dost Thine Israel lead; In safety deign Thy Church to keep, 2 The vine once planted by Thy hand, And spread its boughs through Salem's land, 3 Zion now mourns; in dread array, Like the wild boar, or beasts of prey, 4 Exalt Thy BRANCH of great renown, 5 Turn us again, LORD GOD of hosts, 6 So shall we live with grateful heart, From Thee shall never more depart, 1 Propably, desiged to be sung at the feast of trumpets, and an exhortation to observe the festivals of the Church. JEHOVAH herein expostulates with his people on account of their mercies and ingratitude. 1 SING aloud JEHOVAH's praises, 2 By the LORD thy God redeemed, Heard Thy prayer, dispell'd the night; 3 Oh, let all the people hearken, The Psalmist reminds magistrates, here designated gods, of the presence of Jehovah, to whom they are accountable. He prayeth for the manifestation of the righteous kingdom of Messiah. 2 1 GOD in the seat of judgment stands, And thus th' Almighty Judge commands; Defend the poor, the fatherless, The needy and afflicted bless. 2 They know not, nor will understand, 2 Arise, O God, with power divine, I PSALM 83. (C. M.) Zion complains of the rage, malice, and subtilty of her enemies, and prayeth for the manifestation of almighty power. Israel was a figure of the Christian Church, and this Psalm applies to her spiritual adversaries. 1 KEEP not silence, mighty God, Zion they hate, Thy blest abode 2 Confed'rate as in ancient days, Rise, mighty GoD, defend Thy cause, Let all the heathen know, 4 Thine arm can put our foes to shame; Under the figure of an Israelite deprived of access to the sanctuary, as King David was during the rebellion of Absalom, this Psalm describes the earnest desire of a devout soul after the temple and presence of GOD; and concludes with an act of faith in the Divine power and goodness. 1 HOW lovely is Thy dwelling-place, My spirit longs to view Thy face, 2 The feather'd tribes their nests prepare, Fain to Thine altars I'd repair, With holy joy Thy praise to sing. 3 How blest are they, whose daily praise 4 Upheld they go from strength to strength, PSALM 84. II. Metre. i GOD of hosts, the mighty LORD, Where Thou, enthron'd in glory, shew'st 2 My longing soul faints with desire My panting heart and flesh cry out 3 O LORD of hosts, my King, my GoD, Who in Thy-temple always dwell, And there Thy praise display. * L (C. M.) |