Psalm 81

Benjamin Essenburg, 1931

1. Now to God our King,
   Joy and strength of Israel,
   Lofty anthems sing;
   Glorious are His ways,
   To His name give praise
   With the harp and timbrel.
   
2. This our festal day
   Jacob’s God has given;
   Solemn joy display
   Throughout all the land;
   This is the command
   Of the God of heaven.
   
3. “Hear, my children, hear,”
   Saith the Lord who bore thee;
   “Never serve nor fear
   Gods of wood or stone;
   I am God alone,
   Worship and adore Me.”
   
4. “Open,” saith the Lord,
   “Wide thy mouth, believing
   This My covenant-word:
   ‘I will, if thou plead,
   Fill thine every need,
   All thy want relieving.’”
   
5. “O that to My voice
   Israel would hearken!
   Then they would rejoice,
   Walking in My ways,
   Bright and joyous days
   Ne’er a foe would darken.”
   
6. “Most abundant good,
   -If thou wouldst but prove Me-
   E’en the choicest food,
   Honey from the comb,
   Wheat the finest known,
   I would pour upon thee.”