By the Red Sea

(Hymn for the Seventh Day of Passover)

WHEN as a wall the sea

In heaps uplifted lay,

A new song unto Thee

Sang the redeemed that day.

Thou didst in his deceit,

Overwhelm the Egyptian’s feet,

While Israel’s footsteps fleet

How beautiful were they.

Jeshurun! All who see

Thy glory cry to Thee:

“Who like thy God can be?”

Thus even our foes did say.

O let Thy banner soar

The scattered remnants o’er,

And gather them once more,

Like ours on harvest-day.

Who bear through all their line

Thy covenant’s holy sign,

And in Thy name divine

Are sanctified alway.

Let all the world behold

Their token prized of old,

Who on their garment’s fold

The thread of blue display.

Be then the truth made known

From whom, and whom alone,

The twisted fringe is shown,

The covenant kept this day.

O let them, sanctified,

Once more with Thee abide,

Their sunshine far and wide

And chase the clouds away.

The well-beloved declare

Thy praise in song and prayer;

“Who can with Thee compare,

O Lord of Hosts?” they say.

When as a wall the sea

In heaps uplifted lay,

A new song unto Thee,

Sang the redeemed that day.