Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

When Israel was from Egypt freed

John Newton

An English Anglican cleric and former slave ship captain (1725–1807). After surviving a terrifying storm at sea where he cried out to God for mercy, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He later became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, partnering with William Wilberforce to end the slave trade in Britain. His legendary hymn, 'Amazing Grace', was written to illustrate a New Year's sermon in 1773, reflecting his personal awe at how God's grace could rescue and redeem a 'wretch' like him.

Source: Olney Hymns

When Israel was from Egypt freed,
The LORD, who brought them out,
Helped them in every time of need,
But led them round about.
To enter Canaan soon they hoped,
But quickly changed their mind;
When the Red Sea their passage stopped,
And Pharaoh marched behind.
The desert filled them with alarms,
For water and for food;
And Amalek, by force of arms,
To check their progress stood.
They often murmured by the way,
Because they judged by sight;
But were at length constrained to say,
The Lord had led them right.
In the Red Sea that stopped them first,
Their enemies were drowned;
The rocks gave water for their thirst,
And Manna spread the ground.
By fire and cloud their way was shown,
Across the pathless sands;
And Amalek was overthrown,
By Moses' lifted hands.
The way was right their hearts to prove,
To make GOD'S glory known;
And show his wisdom, pow'r and love,
Engaged to save his own.
Just so the true believer's path
Through many dangers lies;
Though dark to sense, 'tis right to faith,
And leads us to the skies.