1 As birds their infant brood protect,
And spread their wings to shelter them;
Thus saith the Lord to his elect,
"So will I guard Jerusalem."
2 And what then is Jerusalem—
This darling object of his care?
Where is its worth in God's esteem?
Who built it? who inhabits there?
3 Jehovah founded it in blood.
The blood of his incarnate Son;
There dwell the saints, once foes to God—
The sinners whom he calls his own.
4 There, though besieged on every side,
Yet much beloved and guarded well,
From age to age they have defied
The utmost force of earth and hell.
5 Let earth repent and hell despair,
This city has a sure defence;
Her name is call'd "The Lord is there,"
And who has power to drive him thence?