194. Zion Stands Securely Grounded

1. Zion stands securely grounded
On holy mountains, though surrounded
By evil powers ev’rywhere. -
Zion stands and will be standing,
Man’s wonder and respect commanding,
Because of Him who guards here there.
The God of Israel,
Her Rock, protects her well.
Hallelujah!
Now sing His praise:
O bless the race,
That in her hath a dwelling place!

2. Zion’s portals are His treasure;
He looks on them with grace and pleasure,
And makes their bars secure with skill:
Blesses all who there are dwelling,
And He reward with grace excelling
Who let Him govern as He will.
How great His grace must be
To bear so patiently
All His loved ones!
O God’s Zion,
Thou rich Zion,
That such a Lord and King doth own!

3. Mighty things and things most holy
Are preached in Thee, O Zion, solely,
As nowhere else on earth are heard.
Thou hast Truth, the night dispelling,
In Thee the Holy Ghost is dwelling,
Thy light is God’s own Holy Word.
There day by day is heard
The ever-precious Word
Of God’s mercy.
O Gospel pure,
Atoning here,
And bringing life eternal there!

4. Nations that have never known thee,
From distant lands will come to own thee,
And to thy gates, O Zion, run.
Yea, to those in darkness dwelling,
The Lord shall send His Gospel, telling
What once for all the world was done.
“Where is God’s only son?”
“Where is His gracious throne?”
Men are asking.
The day draws near,
When everywhere,
The Lord in glory shall appear!

5. Dry your tears, ye hearts nigh broken,
Of Zion it shall yet be spoken:
“Her citizens in number grow!”
Men shall see with fear and wonder
How God builds Zion, they shall ponder
The grace and strength He doth bestow.
Lift up your souls and hearts,
The nations’ day departs.
Then His day comes,
Zion shall rise,
And Judah’s eyes
The One it pierced will recognize!

6. Mother thou of every nation,
That here hath sought and found salvation,
O Zion, thou shalt truly be.
What a chorus of rejoicing
Shall once the saints in thee be voicing!
The Fount of Life is found in thee.
In thee the waters well
That every thirst can still.
Hallelujah!
From death’s dread cave,
From dangers grave,
No one, but Zion’s God, can save!