When Joshua, by GOD's command

by John Newton

GIBEON by John Newton

When Joshua, by GOD's command,

Invaded Canaan's guilty land;

Gibeon, unlike the nations round,

Submission made and mercy found.

Their stubborn neighbors who enraged,

United war against them waged,

By Joshua soon were overthrown,

For Gibeon's cause was now his own.

He, from whose arm they ruin feared,

Their leader and ally appeared

An emblem of the Savior's grace,

To those who humbly seek his face.

The men of Gibeon wore disguise,

And gained their peace by framing lies;

For Joshua had no pow'r to spare,

If he had known from whence they were.

But JESUS invitations sends,

Treating with rebels as his friends;

And holds the promise forth in view,

To all who for his mercy sue.

Too long his goodness I disdained,

Yet went at last and peace obtained;

But soon the noise of war I heard,

And former friends in arms appeared.

Weak in myself for help I cried,

LORD, I am pressed on every side;

The cause is thine, they fight with me,

But every blow is aimed at thee.

With speed to my relief he came,

And put my enemies to shame;

Thus saved by grace I live to sing,

The love and triumphs of my King.