A Mighty Fortress

This is a strong song whose power surges through every stanza. A few of the key words have been defined below:

Fortress:  1. a large fortified place; a fort or group of forts, often including a town; citadel. 2. any place of exceptional security; stronghold.

A mighty fortress is our God

Bulwark: a wall of earth or other material built for defense; rampart.

A bulwark never failing

Lord of Sabaoth: “Lord of the armies of Israel, as those who are under the leadership and protection of Jehovah maintain his cause in war”

1.

A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevaling.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

2.

Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth, his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.

3.

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

4.

That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill;
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.