Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
553Resource Type:
Keys included:
Bb
About this Hymn
Inspired by Psalm 72, this hymn is a celebration of the Advent promise of Christ's return in glory and his work on behalf of the vulnerable and the weak. It is vital because it challenges us to our need both for self-reform and to work toward recognizing the kingdom of God in this world. The writer James Montgomery was a radical example of such work in his passion for both Sunday School teaching and foreign missions, as well as opposing the slave trade, child exploitation, and state lotteries.
Lyrics
Verse 1
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.
Verse 2
He comes with comfort 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, were precious in his sight.
Verse 3
He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth; and love, joy, 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.
Verse 4
Kings shall fall down before him, and gold and incense bring, all nations shall adore him, his praise all people sing; for he shall have dominion o'er river, sea, and shore, far as the eagle's pinion or dove's light wing can soar.
Verse 5
For him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend; his kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end; the mountain dews shall nourish a seed in weakness sown, whose fruit shall spread and flourish, and shake like Lebanon.
Verse 6
O'er ev'ry 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— that name to us is Love.
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.
Verse 2
He comes with comfort 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, were precious in his sight.
Verse 3
He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth; and love, joy, 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.
Verse 4
Kings shall fall down before him, and gold and incense bring, all nations shall adore him, his praise all people sing; for he shall have dominion o'er river, sea, and shore, far as the eagle's pinion or dove's light wing can soar.
Verse 5
For him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend; his kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end; the mountain dews shall nourish a seed in weakness sown, whose fruit shall spread and flourish, and shake like Lebanon.
Verse 6
O'er ev'ry 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— that name to us is Love.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: James Montgomery, 1822, rev. 1853
Music: Vollständige-Sammlung der gewöhnlichen Melodien, 1827; harm. Katholisches Gesangbuch, 1863
Music: Vollständige-Sammlung der gewöhnlichen Melodien, 1827; harm. Katholisches Gesangbuch, 1863