To Egypt's king, who ruled beside The reedy river's flow, Came God's command, “Release, O king, And let my people go.”
The king's proud heart grew hard apace; He marked the suppliant throng, And said, “Nay, they must here abide; The weak must serve the strong.”
Straightway the Lord stretched forth his hand, And every stream ran blood; The river swept towards the sea — A full ensanguined flood.
The haughty king beheld the land, By plagues afflicted sore, But, as God's wonders multiplied, Hardened his heart the more;
Until the angel of the Lord Came on the wings of Night, And smote first-born of man and beast, In his destructive flight.
Throughout all Egypt, not a house Was spared this crowning woe. Then broke the tyrant's stubborn will; He bade the people go.
They gathered up their flocks and herds, Rejoicing to be free; And, going forth, a mighty host, Encamped beside the sea.
Then Pharaoh's heart repented him; He called a mighty force, And swiftly followed on their track, With chariot and with horse.
Then Israel's host were sore afraid; But God was on their side, And, lo! for them a way is cleft, The Red-sea waves divide.
At God's command the restless waves Obey the prophet's rod; And, through the middle of the sea, The people marched dry-shod.
But, when the spoilers, following close, Would hinder Israel's flight, The waters to their course return, The parted waves unite,
And Pharaoh's host is swept away, The chariots and the horse; And not a man is left alive Of all that mighty force.
So in these days God looks from heaven, And marks his servants’ woe; Hear ye his voice: “Break every yoke, And let my people go!”
For them the Red-sea waves divide, The streams with crimson flow; Therefore we mourn for our first-born;— Then let the people go.
They are not weak whom God befriends, He makes their cause His own; And they who fight against God's might Shall surely be o'erthrown.
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