Hymns · 1800

I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord

Songwriter Timothy Dwight, Aaron Williams

Details

Copyright Public Domain (Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. The publication year, if correct, suggests that this work may be in public domain in the U.S..)

Scripture connections

References

Verses this song directly draws from

Psalm 26:8 Psalm 137:5-6 Acts 20:28

Allusions

Verses this song echoes or alludes to

Deuteronomy 32:10 II Samuel 22:51 Psalm 1:1 Psalm 17:8 Psalm 18:50 Psalm 48:2 Psalm 84:1-2 Psalm 87:3 Psalm 91:3 Isaiah 49:16 Isaiah 62:6-7 Zechariah 2:8 John 15:13-15 Ephesians 5:25-27 I Peter 1:19 Revelation 22:2-4

Lyrics

Verse 1
I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of Thine abode, (Ps. 26:8, Ps. 84:1-2)
The church our blessed Redeemer saved (Eph. 5:25-27)
With His own precious blood. (Acts 20:28, I Pet. 1:19)

Verse 2
I love Thy church, O God.
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye, (Deut. 32:10, Ps. 17:8, Zech. 2:8)
And written on Thy hand. (Isa. 49:16)

Verse 3
If e’er to bless Thy sons
My voice or hands deny,
These hands let useful skills forsake, (Ps. 137:5)
This voice in silence die. (Ps. 137:6)

Verse 4
Should I with scoffers join (Ps. 1:1)
Her altars to abuse?
No! Better far my tongue were dumb, (Ps. 137:6)
My hand its skill should lose. (Ps. 137:5)

Verse 5
For her my tears shall fall
For her my prayers ascend,
To her my cares and toils be giv’n (Isa. 62:6-7)
Till toils and cares shall end.

Verse 6
Beyond my highest joy (Ps. 137:6)
I prize her heav’nly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows, (Ps. 84:1-2)
Her hymns of love and praise.

Verse 7
Jesus, Thou friend divine, (John 15:13-15)
Our Savior and our king,
Thy hand from every snare and foe (Ps. 91:3)
Shall great deliverance bring. (II Sam. 22:51, Ps. 18:50)

Verse 8
Sure as Thy truth shall last,
To Zion shall be giv’n
The brightest glories earth can yield (Ps. 87:3)
And brighter bliss of Heav’n. (Rev. 22:2-4, Ps. 48:2)