While Joshua led the armed bands

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. While Joshua led the armed bands.Of Israel forth to war;Moses apart with lifted handsEngaged in humble prayer.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. The armed bands had quickly failed,And perished in the fight;If Moses’ prayer had not prevailedTo put the foes to flight.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. When Moses’ hands through weakness dropped,The warriors fainted too;Israel’s success at once was stopped,And Am’lek bolder grew.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. A people, always prone to boast,Were taught by this suspense,That not a num’rous armed host,But God was their defence.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. We now of fleets and armies vaunt,And ships and men prepare;But men like Moses most we want,To save the state by prayer.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. Yet, Lord, we hope thou hast preparedA hidden few today;(The nation’s secret strength and guard)To weep, and mourn, and pray.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. O hear their prayers and grant us aid,Bid war and discord cease;Heal the sad breach which sin has made,And bless us all with peace.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 66. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-66