Psalm II: Why Did the Nations

Isaac Watts 1674 (Southampton, Hampshire) – 1748 (Stoke Newington, Middlesex)



Why did the nations join to slay
The Lord's anointed Son?
Why did they cast His laws away
And tread His gospel down?

The Lord, that sits above the skies,
Derides their rage below;
He speaks with vengeance in His eyes
And strikes their spirits through.

"I call Him My Eternal Son,
And raise Him from the dead;
I make My holy hill His throne,
And wide His Kingdom spread."

"Ask me, My Son, and then enjoy
The utmost heathen lands:
Thy rod of iron shall destroy
The rebel that withstands."

Be wise, ye rulers of the earth,
Obey the anointed Lord,
Adore the King of Heav'nly birth,
And tremble at His word.

With humble love address his throne;
For if He frown, you die:
Those are secure, and those alone,
Who on His grace rely.

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Submitted on May 13, 2011

Modified on March 05, 2023

42 sec read
115

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABAX CXCX BDED FGFG HXHX EIEI
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 708
Words 140
Stanzas 6
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was an English Christian minister (Congregational), hymn writer, theologian, and logician. He was a prolific and popular hymn writer and is credited with some 750 hymns. He is recognized as the "Godfather of English Hymnody"; many of his hymns remain in use today and have been translated into numerous languages. more…

All Isaac Watts poems | Isaac Watts Books

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