Hymn 18

Melody

Blest be the God of Israel,
for he has come to set us free;
in David’s house the Lord has raised
salvation’s horn for all to see.
He through his prophets long ago
said he would save us from our foe,
from all who scorn and hate us.
He has not put our fathers’ faith to shame
but, in his love rememb’ring them,
has kept the oath he swore to Abraham.
His faithfulness he has now shown,
that we might serve him without fear,
that all our days with upright hearts
we in his presence might appear.
Of you, my child, it will be said
that God Most High sent you ahead
as herald of salvation.
You will before the LORD prepare his way
and tell his people of the day
when he to them his mercy will display.
As God has promised, all our sins
will be forgiven, swept away.
He from on high in tender love
will bless us with the glorious day
on which before our very eyes
the radiant Morning Sun will rise
to shine on us forever.
From death’s dark shadow he will grant release
and, when its tyranny shall cease,
will guide our feet into the path of peace.