Unharmed Through the Sea

53 Unharmed through the sea, where perished their foe, he caused them with ease and safety to go; 54 his holy land gaining, in peace they were brought to dwell in the mountain the Lord’s hand had bought. 55 He gave them the land, a heritage fair; the nations that dwelt in wickedness there he drove out before them with great overthrow and gave to his people the tents of the foe. 56-57 Again they rebelled and tempted the Lord, 58 unfaithful, they turned to idols abhorred, 59 and God in his anger withdrew from them then, 60-61 no longer delighting to dwell among men. 62 He gave them to death in battle, although his glory and strength were scorned by the foe; 63 their young men were fallen, their maidens unwed, 64 their priest slain in battle, none wept for the dead. 65 Then mercy awoke, the Lord in his might 66-68 returned, and the foes were scattered in flight; again to his people his favor he showed 69 and chose in Mount Zion to fix his abode. 70-71 His servant he called, a shepherd of sheep, from tending his flock, the people to keep; 72 so David their shepherd with wisdom and might protected and fed them and led them aright. – Psalter, 1912, alt.