22/03/2007

Hymn Sinai and Zion 337

The hymn contrasts the old and new covenants. Verses 1-5 look at Sinai and then in 6-8 we come to New Testament Zion.

337 Sinai and Sion CM
WHEN God descends, a streaming fire Attends him through the sky; Thick clouds compose his dark attire, And vivid lightnings fly.
2 Impervious wreaths of smoke surround, And hide his awful seat; Incessant thunders roar around, Or murmur at his feet.
3 'Twas thus on Sinai’s lofty hill, Jehovah once appeared; The trumpet loud proclaimed his will, And trembling Israel heard.
4 They trembling heard, but straight forgot The terrors of the day; They scarcely left the awful spot, Before they went astray.
5 Their solemn vows they soon revoke, False and ungrateful prove; Forget the tempest, fire and smoke, Their Maker’s wrath and love.
6 What Sinai’s terror ne’er could do, That Sion's God performs; 'Tis he that creates our hearts anew, And strengthens feeble worms.
7 He gently leads our wandering souls In paths of righteousness; And all our passions he controls, By his all-powerful grace.
8 From Sinai we to Sion fly, The city of our God; Unawed and fearless we draw nigh, And make it our abode.

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