O ye my people, to my law
Attentively give ear;
The words that from my mouth proceed
Incline yourselves to hear.
My mouth shall speak a parable,
The sayings dark of old,
Which we have listened to and know
As by our fathers told.
We will not hide them from their song
But tell the race to come
Jehovah's praises and His strength,
The wonders He has done.
His word He unto Jacob gave,
His law to Israel,
And bade our fathers teach their sons
The coming race to tell,
That children yet unborn might know
And their descendants lead
To trust in God, recall God's works,
And His commandments heed,
And not be like their fathers were,
A race of stubborn mood,
Which never would prepare its heart
Nor keep its faith with God.
