Gibeon

I

When Joshua, by God’s command,
Invaded Canaan’s guilty land,
Gibeon, unlike the nations round,
Submission made, and mercy found.

II

Their stubborn neighbours who, enraged,
United war against them waged,
By Joshua soon were overthrown,
For Gibeon’s cause was now his own.

III

He from whose arm they ruin fear’d
Their leader and ally appear’d;
An emblem of the Saviour’s grace
To those who humbly seek his face.

IV

The men of Gibeon wore disguise,
And gain’d their peace by framing lies;
For Joshua had no power to spare,
If he had known from whence they were.

V

But Jesus invitations sends,
Treating with rebels as his friends;
And holds the promise forth in view
To all who for his mercy sue.

VI

Too long his goodness I disdain’d,
Yet went at last and peace obtain’d;
But soon the noise of war I heard,
And former friends in arms appear’d.

VII

Weak in myself, for help I cried,
Lord, I am press’d on every side;
The cause is thine, they fight with me,
But every blow is aim’d at thee.

VIII

With speed to my relief he came,
And put my enemies to shame:
Thus saved by grace, I live to sing
The love and triumphs of my King.