83. O God, do not keep silent

Author: Christopher Idle

O God, do not keep silent;
see how they rage and storm!
Against your cherished people
your foes begin to swarm;
they plan for total war!
They plot to kill a nation,
that we may be no more.

2. They range themselves against you;
one legion, many names.
Old grudges join with new ones,
all with their threats and claims,
our neighbours great and small.
Of old we know their hatred;
Lord God, you know them all!

3. Come, rule them with your justice,
subdue them with your rod,
as when they vainly threatened
the pasture-lands of God;
with fire and wind draw near!
As flame among the mountains
so rout them with your fear.

4. Pursue them, Lord, with judgement
and cover them with shame,
that all their pride may perish
and nations seek your name;
O let that name be known-
the Lord most High, most glorious
in all the earth alone!