1. O what a stiff rebellious house-
was Jacob’s ancient race!
False to their own most solemn vows,
and to their Maker’s grace.
They broke the covenant of His love,
and did His laws despise;
Forgot the works He wrought to prove-
His power before their eyes.

2. They saw the plagues on Egypt light-
from His revenging hand;
What dreadful tokens of His might-
spread o’er the stubborn land!
They saw Him cleave the mighty sea,
and marched in safety through,
With watery walls to guard their way,
till they escaped the foe.

3. A wondrous pillar marked the road,
composed of shade and light;
By day it proved a sheltering cloud,
a leading fire by night.
He from the Rock their thirst supplied-
the gushing waters fell,
And ran in rivers by their side,
a constant miracle.

4. Yet they provoked the LORD most High,
and dared distrust His hand:
“Can He with bread our host supply-
amidst this desert land?”
The LORD with indignation heard,
and caused His wrath to flame;
His terrors ever stand prepared-
to vindicate His Name.