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.

2 He comes with rescue 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,
are precious in his sight.

3 He shall come down like showers
upon the fruitful earth;
and 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.

4 Kings shall bow down before him
and gold and incense bring;
all nations shall adore him,
his praise all people sing:
to him shall prayer unceasing
and daily vows ascend;
his kingdom still increasing,
a kingdom without end.

5 In all the world 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 for ever,
his changeless name of love.