Stanza 1
When Joshua, by GOD's command,
Invaded Canaan's guilty land;
Gibeon, unlike the nations round,
Submission made and mercy found.
Stanza 2
Their stubborn neighbors who enraged,
United war against them waged,
By Joshua soon were overthrown,
For Gibeon's cause was now his own.
Stanza 3
He, from whose arm they ruin feared,
Their leader and ally appeared
An emblem of the Savior's grace,
To those who humbly seek his face.
Stanza 4
The men of Gibeon wore disguise,
And gained their peace by framing lies;
For Joshua had no pow'r to spare,
If he had known from whence they were.
Stanza 5
But JESUS invitations sends,
Treating with rebels as his friends;
And holds the promise forth in view,
To all who for his mercy sue.
Stanza 6
Too long his goodness I disdained,
Yet went at last and peace obtained;
But soon the noise of war I heard,
And former friends in arms appeared.
Stanza 7
Weak in myself for help I cried,
LORD, I am pressed on every side;
The cause is thine, they fight with me,
But every blow is aimed at thee.
Stanza 8
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.