Almighty God, Thy Lofty Throne

Almighty God, Thy lofty throne

Has justice for its cornerstone,

And shining bright before Thy face

Are truth and love and boundless grace.

With blessing is the nation crowned

Whose people know the joyful sound;

They in the light, O Lord, shall live,

The light Thy face and favor give.

Thy Name with gladness they confess,

Exalted in Thy righteousness;

Their fame and might to Thee belong,

For in Thy favor they are strong.

All glory unto God we yield,

Jehovah is our help and shield;

All praise and honor we will bring

To Israel’s Holy One, our King.

THE PSALTER, 1912

THIS HYMN is based on Psalm 89:14-18, a passage that lifts praise to God for His justice and righteousness. But this psalm was not written in victorious days—Jerusalem may have been under siege at the time. King David’s dynasty was in danger of being lost forever. That is why the psalmist ends with a plea for the Lord to act. “O Lord, how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever?. . . Lord, where is your unfailing love? You promised it to David with a faithful pledge” (Psalm 89:46, 49).

Even in times when God seems far from us, when our prayers don’t seem to be getting through, it is good for us to sing hymns of praise.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong. Yes, our protection comes from the Lord, and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king.

Psalm 89:14-18