1 Why doth the LORD stand off so far,
And why conceal his face,
When great calamities appear,
and times of deep distress?

2 LORD, shall the wicked still deride
Thy justice and thy pow'r?
Shall they advance their heads in pride,
And still thy saints devour?

3 They put thy judgments from their sight,
And then insult the poor;
They boast in their exalted height,
That they shall fall no more.

4 Arise, O GOD, lift up thine hand;
Attend our humble cry:
No enemy shall dare to stand,
When GOD ascends on high.

Pause.

5 Why do the men of malice rage,
And say with foolish pride,
"The GOD of heav'n will ne'er engage
"To fight on Zion's side."
6 But thou for ever art our Lord;
And pow'rful is thine hand;
As when the Heathens felt thy sword,
And perish'd from thy land.

7 Thou wilt prepare our hearts to pray
And cause thine ear to hear;
He hearkens what his children say,
And puts the world in fear.

8 Proud tyrants shall no more oppress,
No more despise the just;
And mighty sinners shall confess,
They are but earth and dust.