Israel's rebellion and punishment. <br /> <br />O What a stiff rebellious house <br />Was Jacob's ancient race! <br />False to their own most solemn vows, <br />And to their Maker's grace. <br /> <br />They broke the cov'nant of his love, <br />And did his laws despise; <br />Forgot the works he wrought to prove <br />His power before their eyes. <br /> <br />They saw the plagues on Egypt light <br />From his revenging hand; <br />What dreadful tokens of his might <br />Spread o'er the stubborn land! <br /> <br />They saw him cleave the mighty sea, <br />And marched in safety through, <br />With wat'ry walls to guard their way, <br />Till they had 'scaped the foe. <br /> <br />A wondrous pillar marked the road, <br />Composed of shade and light; <br />By day it proved a shelt'ring cloud, <br />A leading fire by night. <br /> <br />He from the rock their thirst supplied <br />The gushing waters fell, <br />And ran in rivers by their side, <br />A constant miracle. <br /> <br />Yet they provoked the Lord most High, <br />And dared distrust his hand: <br />"Can he with bread our host supply <br />Amidst this desert land?" <br /> <br />The Lord with indignation heard, <br />And caused his wrath to flame; <br />His terrors ever stand prepared <br />To vindicate his name.<br /><br />Isaac Watts<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/psalm-78-part-2/
