PSALM 78. Second Part. (C. M.) Israel's Rebellion and Punishment; or, the Sins
and Chastisements of God's People.
I
O what a stiff rebellious house
Was Jacob's ancient race!
False to their own most solemn vows,
And to their Maker's grace.
II
They broke the covenant of his love,
And did his laws despise,
Forgot the works he wrought to prove
His power before their eyes.
III
They saw the plagues on Egypt light,
From his revenging hand:
What dreadful tokens of his might
Spread o'er the stubborn land!
IV
They saw him cleave the mighty sea,
And march'd in safety through,
With watery walls to guard their way,
Till they had 'scap'd the foe.
V
A wonderous pillar mark'd the road,
Compos'd of shade and light;
By day it prov'd a sheltering cloud,
A leading fire by night.
VI
He from the rock their thirst supply'd;
The gushing waters fell,
And ran in rivers by their side,
A constant miracle.
VII
Yet they provok'd the Lord most high,
And dar'd distrust his hand;
‘Can he with bread our host supply
‘Amidst this desert land?’
VIII
The Lord with indignation heard,
And caus'd his wrath to flame;
His terrors ever stand prepar'd
To vindicate his name.
