1. Hail to the Lord's anointed!
Great David's greater Son;
Hail! in the time appointed,
His reign on earth begun:
He comes to break oppression,
To set the captive free,
To take away transgression ,
To rule in equity.
2 He comes with succour speedy
To those who suffer wrong;
To help the poor and needy,
And bid the weak be strong;
To give them songs for sighing,
Their darkness turn to light
Who, languishing and dying,
Are perishing from sight.
3 Through changing generations,
With justice, mercy, truth­
While stars maintain their stations,
And moons renew their youth,
He shall come down like showers
Upon the fruitful earth;
And love, joy, hope, like flowers,
Spring in his path to birth.
4 Kings shall fall down before him,
And gold and incense bring:
All nations shall adore him,
His praise all nations sing:
O'er every foe victorious,
He on his throne shall rest
From age to age more glorious,
All-blessing and all-blest.