Lyra Germanica ‎#72

72. A sure stronghold our God is He

A sure stronghold our God is He,
A trusty shield and weapon;
Our help He'll be and set us free
From every ill can happen.
That old malicious foe
Intends us deadly woe;
Armed with the strength of hell
And deepest craft as well,
On earth is not his fellow.

Through our own force we nothing can,
Straight were we lost forever;
But for us fights the proper Man,
By God sent to deliver.
Ask ye who this may be?
Christ Jesus named is He,
Of Sabaoth the Lord;
Sole God to be adored;
'Tis he must win the battle.

And were the world with devils filled,
All eager to devour us,
Our souls to fear should little yield,
They cannot overpower us.
Their dreaded Prince no more
Can harm us as of yore;
Look grim as e'er he may,
Doomed is his ancient sway;
A word can overthrow him.

Still shall they leave that Word His might,
And yet no thanks shall merit;
Still is He with us in the fight,
By His good gifts and Spirit.
E'en should they take our life,
Goods, honour, children, wife—
Though all of these be gone,
Yet nothing have they won,
God's kingdom ours abideth!

Text Information

• First Line: A sure stronghold our God is He
• Title: A sure stronghold our God is He
• German Title: Ein feste Burg
• Author: Luther (1530)
• Translator: William Gaskell (1855)
• Meter: 8,7,8,7,6,6,6,6,7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1861
• Notes: Hymn composed on the road to Worms.

Tune Information

(No tune information)