Psalms 53-55

Psalm 53

1 THE foes of Zion quake for fright, Where no fear was they quail; For well they know that sword of might Which cuts through coats of mail.

2 The Lord of old defiled their shields, And laugh'd their spears to scorn; Their bones lay scatter'd o'er the field, By dogs and vultures torn.

3 Let Zion's foes be fill'd with shame; Her sons are bless'd of God;

Though scoffers now despise their name The Lord shall break the rod.

4 Oh would our God to Zion turn, God with salvation clad;

Then Judah's harps should music learn, And Israel be glad.

Charles H. Spurgeon, 1866.

Psalm 54

1 SAVE me by Thy glorious name;

Lord, that name is love, Help from Thee I humbly claim, Send it from above;

Hear, oh hear my suppliant voice!

Hear, and bid my heart rejoice.

2 Foes to Christ and every good Fiercely throng on me;

Soon my soul must be subdued, Without aid from Thee: But with Thee to make me strong, Lord, they shall not triumph long.

3 Lo, He comes, He takes my part, All my struggles cease, Rise in praise, my grateful heart, Bless the Prince of Peace;

God Himself has set me free, God my worship ever be!

Henry Francis Lyte, 1834.

Psalm 55

1 O GOD, my refuge, hear my cries;

Behold my flowing tears; For earth and hell my hurt devise, And triumph in my fears.

2 Oh were I like a feather'd dove, And innocence had wings, I'd fly, and make a long remove From all these restless things.

3 Let me to some wild desert go, And find a peaceful home; Where storms of malice never blow, Temptations never come.

4 Vain hopes, and vain Inventions all, To 'scape the rage of hell! The mighty God on whom I call, Can save me here as well.

5 God shall preserve my soul from fear, Or shield me when afraid;

Ten thousand angels must appear, If He command their aid.

6 I cast my burdens on the Lord, The Lord sustains them all; My courage rests upon His word, That saints shall never fall.

Isaac Watts 1719.,