Psalm 124

A Song of degrees of David.

SECOND VERSION (10.10.10.10.10.)

1        Now Israel

                   may say, and that truly,

          If that the Lord

                   had not our cause maintain'd;

2        If that the Lord

                   had not our right sustain'd,

          When cruel men

                   against us furiously

          Rose up in wrath,

                   to make of us their prey;

3        Then certainly

                   they had devour'd us all,

          And swallow'd quick,

                   for ought that we could deem;

          Such was their rage,

                   as we might well esteem.

4        And as fierce floods

                   before them all things drown,

          So had they brought

                   our soul to death quite down.

5        The raging streams,

                   with their proud swelling waves,

          Had then our soul

                   o'erwhelmed in the deep.

6        But bless'd be God,

                   who doth us safely keep,

          And hath not giv'n

                   us for a living prey

          Unto their teeth,

                    and bloody cruelty.

7        Ev'n as a bird

                   out of the fowler's snare

          Escapes away,

                   so is our soul set free:

          Broke are their nets,

                   and thus escaped we.

8        Therefore our help

                   is in the Lord's great name,

          Who heav'n and earth

                   by his great pow'r did frame.