Songs of Exile/Hoshana
HOSHANA
From the Liturgy for Hoshana Rabbah. The author is unknown.
Stanza 6, line 1, refers to the ceremony of the pouring forth of water at the Temple during the Festival of Tabernacles.
Stanza 9, line 2, Hosea iii, 2. For mystical interpretations, see Targum Jonathan, Rashi in loco, Mezudath Zion, and Mezudath David.
Stanza 10, line 1, Leviticus xxiii, 40.
Hoshana
O GOD! like lost sheep we have gone astray;
From out Thy book wipe not our name away.
Save! O save!
O God! sustain the sheep for slaughter;—see
These dealt with wrathfully and slain for Thee.
Save! O save!
O God! Thy sheep! the sheep whom Thou didst tend
In pasture; Thy creation and Thy friend.
Save! O save!
O God! the poor among the sheep! Take heed:
Answer in time of favor to their need.
Save! O save!
O God! they lift their eyes to Thee, long sought:
Let those that rise against Thee count as naught.
Save! O save!
O God! they pouring water, worshipping—
Let them be drawing from salvation's spring.
Save! O save!
O God! let saviours come to Zion at length,
Endowed of Thee, and saved by Thy Name's strength.
Save! O save!
O God! in garb of vengeance clad about,
In mighty wrath cast all deceivers out.
Save! O save!
O God! and Thou wilt surely not forget
Her, by love-tokens bought, that hopeth yet.
Save! O save!
O God! they seeking Thee with willow bough!
Regard their crying from Thine Heaven now.
Save! O save!
O God! as with a crown bless Thou the year;
Yea, Lord, my singing, I beseech Thee, hear.
Save! O save!