King, To Jews and Gentiles Given

For Epiphany

Words: "Gott der Juden, Gott der Heiden," Benjamin Schmolke, 1672-1737
Translator: Rev. H. Mills, D. D.

Music: "Melody of "God bes Himmels und der Erben,"
Proper to this Hymn. Harmonized by Carl Seeger."

Source: J. H. Hopkins, ed., Great Hymns of the Church Compiled by the Late Right Reverend John Freeman Young (New York: James Pott & Company, 1887), #81, p. 126.

1. King, to Jews and Gentiles given
    For their healing and their light
Saba sees Thy star in heaven,
    And rejoices at the sight:
Shem and Japhet come from far,
    To the light of Jacob's star.

2. Joined to those, who are inquiring
    From the East, dear Lord, for Thee; —
All we ask, or are desiring,
    Is the Royal Child to see.
We our knees before Thee bow,
    With our arms embrace Thee now.

3. For our Gold and costly treasure,
    faith, and hope, and love receive!
May our Incense meet Thy pleasure —
    We our hearts' devotion give;
But for Myrrh, — our penitence —
    Of our guilt an humbling sense.

4. Take in kindness what we offer, —
    Willing gifts from souls sincere;
Leave us not from foes to suffer
    Rous'd to rage by guilty fear;
From the bloody Herod's sword,
    Thy protection be our guard!

5. While we homeward shall be going,
    May Thy blessing with us go:
Cheer us on, Thy mercy showing, —
    Still the rage of ev'ry foe;
Lead us with Thy gentle hand,
    Till we reach our Fatherland.

Sheet Music from J. H. Hopkins, ed., Great Hymns of the Church Compiled by the Late Right Reverend John Freeman Young (New York: James Pott & Company, 1887), #81, p. 126.

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