Classic Poem

I.

P RAISE the great name of Jah,
O praise Jehovah's name!
Praise him from heaven, I say,
On high his praise proclaim.
His throne surround
Angelic hosts,
Thro' heavens wide coasts
His praise resound.

II.

Praise him, thou glorious sun,
Thou moon, ye stars of light,
Which either stand or run;
Ye heavens of heavens so bright,
His praise display.
Waters that move
Thro' skies above,
Your tribute pay.

III.

Works of his mighty hand,
Extol Jehovah's name;
Which when he gave command,
Forth into being came.
For ever he
Has fix'd their place,
That none can pass
His firm decree.

IV.

O praise Jehovah's name,
From earth: from deeps below
Ye whales: ye lightning-flame,
Hail-stones and fleecy snow,
Mists that distill,
Fierce winds that blow,
And always know
And do his will.

V.

All hills and mountains high,
Trees that with fruit are crown'd,
Cedars that touch the sky,
Wild beasts that range around;
And cattle tame,
Things low or high,
That creep or fly,
Repeat his fame,

VI.

Kings who on earth preside,
And all of meaner birth;
Princes who nations guide,
And judges of the earth;
The youthful throng,
And virgins fair,
Heads with gray hair,
And infants young.

VII.

Let all Jehovah's name,
With praises celebrate:
His name alone proclaim
As excellent and great.
His glories bright,
Transcendent rise,
'Bove earth and skies,
To boundless height.

VIII.

And he on high does raise,
His people's horn of might;
And thus inspires with praise
His saints, his soul's delight.
Blest Israel's race,
A people near,
And to him dear,
Jehovah praise!