Psalm 28
About the music
This is based on one of J. S. Bach’s harmonisations of Georg Neumark’s, Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten. Bach produced six harmonisations of the melody. This one is from the final chorale in Gott ist unsre Zuversicht, BWV 197, where it is sung to the words So wandelt froh auf Gottes Wegen. In that example it is set to a 9.8.9.8.8.8 metre, which is made 8.8.8.8 above by omitting the repeated first two lines and joining the last two notes in the first line.
This harmonisation and links to all the others are available at bach-chorales.com.
The basic melody is often found in hymnaries as Neumark, but with a different meter and harmonisation.
Right click on any voice then “save link as” to download MP3 file (in most desktop browsers).
All Verses
1 To you I call, O LORD my Rock;
Do not be deaf to my loud cry.
I’ll be like those gone down to death,
If you are silent in reply.
2 Receive my plea for mercy, LORD,
As now I call to you for grace,
As I lift up my hands in prayer
And look to your Most Holy Place.
3 O drag me not away with those
Who practise wickedness and sin,
Who kindly to their neighbours speak
But harbour malice deep within.
4 Repay them for their evil deeds
And for their acts of wickedness;
Bring back on them what they deserve
And punish their unrighteousness.
5 Because the LORD’s works they despise
And treat his actions with disdain,
In justice he will tear them down
And never build them up again.
6 Praise to the LORD, for he has heard
The plea for mercy which I made.
7 He is my strength, he is my shield;
I trust in him who sends me aid.
My heart uplifted leaps for joy;
My thanks to him I gladly sing.
8 The LORD God is his people’s strength,
A saving fortress for his king.
9 LORD, save your people, your own flock;
Be pleased your heritage to bless.
Be their good shepherd; carry them
For ever in your faithfulness.
Words Copyright © Free Church of Scotland