Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

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I was looking through the hymnbook Lift Up Your Hearts and saw the hymn Hail to the Lord’s Anointed and thought, wow, it’s been a LONG time since I’ve sung this song. As I reminded myself of the words I thought I had to share this song with you.  🙂

Lyrics

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 in 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,
Were precious in His sight.

By such shall He be fearèd
While sun and moon endure;
Beloved, obeyed, reverèd;
For He shall judge the poor
Through changing generations,
With justice, mercy, truth,
While stars maintain their stations,
Or moons renew their youth.

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 He shall have dominion
O’er river, sea and shore,
Far as the eagle’s pinion
Or dove’s light wing can soar.

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.

O’er every foe victorious,
He on His throne shall rest;
From age to age more glorious,
All blessing and all blest.
The tide of time shall never
His covenant remove;
His name shall stand forever,
His name to us is Love.

Author and History

James Montgomery is the author is this lovely hymn written back in 1821.  Born in Scotland he kept himself busy as a poet, hymn-writer and editor. He was a strong proponent for the abolition of slavery.  As editor of the  Sheffield Iris he found himself imprisoned twice, one for reporting on a riot, another time for publishing a song remembering the Fall of the Bastille.   

He wrote more than 400 hymns, many of which of still in use today.  He was well regarded in Sheffield, where he lived unmarried all of his working life.  When he died he was given a public funeral. 

Thinking Deeper

I love how author James Montgomery shows us a variety of people recognizing Jesus as the supreme ruler.  Kings, rangers, people from around the world etc.  Not only that though, he also speaks to how Jesus speedily helps people. 

He comes in succor speedy
To those who suffer wrong;
To help the poor and needy,
And bid the weak be strong;

His reason for doing so comes down to love.  His love for us and his love for God the Father.  He is the Lord’s anointed, and as such offers aid to those needing it, and demands our reverance.