Why do the nations vainly rage,
And peoples plot in dark array?
Kings of the earth in fury wage
Their war against the Lord’s own sway,
Against His Christ, the Anointed Son—
“Let us cast off His cords!” they cry.

Yet from His throne in heaven’s height
The Sovereign laughs at their decree;
In wrath He speaks with piercing light,
“I’ve set My King on Zion free—
My holy hill shall bear His name,
And all the earth shall kiss His claim.”

Though kingdoms totter, nations roar,
And earth itself in terror melt;
Though mountains shake from shore to shore,
And seas in foaming tumult dwelt—
The Lord of hosts is in her midst,
His city stands where none resist.

A river streams to make her glad,
The dwelling of the Most High God;
At break of dawn His help is had—
One word, and chaos feels the rod.
Be still, and know that He is God;
His throne endures where none may trod.

He breaks the bow, He shatters spear,
The chariot burns in victory’s flame;
Exalted high, all nations fear—
The Lord Almighty reigns the same.
Though rage may swell and tempests rise,
God sits enthroned beyond the skies.

O blessed they who trust His might,
Who kiss the Son ere wrath consume;
His kingdom dawns in endless light,
Where every rebel finds his doom.
Though nations rage, though wars abound—
God reigns supreme; His throne is sound.