Is this the best national anthem?

[Proclaimer]

While many country’s national anthems or national songs are about their nation, some also mention God such as ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ or ‘God Save the Queen’. There is one country however where the national anthem is a powerful prayer to God. The New Zealand national anthem is five verses of pure petition and supplication before God. It is often first sung in the native language of Maoritanga followed by the English version.

Lines that stand out and that ring true for the nation of New Zealand are:

• God defend our free land.
• From dissension, envy, hate,
  And corruption guard our state,
• Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
• Give us plenty, give us peace,
• From dishonour and from shame,
  Guard our country’s spotless name,

The lines above are interesting because New Zealand is often considered in the top 3 least corrupt nations on Earth and the country has never been attacked in war since the national anthem was created.

Here is the National Anthem complimented with stunning images of the country. Below the video are the full five verses of the national anthem.

God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific’s triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.

Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our state,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.

Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our free land.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.

Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our free land.
From dishonour and from shame,
Guard our country’s spotless name,
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend New Zealand.

May our mountains ever be
Freedom’s ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our free land.
Guide her in the nations’ van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.

[NickHassan]

Hi t8,

Who is the God of nations?

Is that a term that scripture uses for almighty God?

[Proclaimer]

I am sure the author meant the true God regardless. lol. A hymn to Satan you think?

[Proclaimer]

Psalm 22:28
for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.

Psalm 47:7-9
7 For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with a skillful psalm.
8 God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.
9 The princes of the people have assembled themselves as the people of the God of Abraham, For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted.

Psalm 67:4
May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.

 

[942767]

Hi T8:

That is a wonderful National Anthem, and when your people recite it, I hope that they are sincere. Our currency has the phrase “in God we trust”, but does everyone?

[Proclaimer]

Unfortunately, most do not know the words including myself, but I know the first couple of verses. However, it is recognised as an anthem to God and some want to replace it for that reason. The country’s going through a possible flag change at the moment to shake off the British ‘Union Jack’. Hopefully the day never comes where the anthem goes up for a referendum though.

[kerwin]

t8,

In the United States many claim to worship God but their fruit is the those that claim to be Atheist. The U.S. still has the word God in their anthem and on their coins but it is just a word if the people do not serve God with the words and actions.

[NickHassan]

Hi,

The efforts of religious men to communicate with God are not always successful

1 Cor 10.20

There is only one way to the Father.

 

[Proclaimer]

That is true Nick. Did you have a point though, or is this just a general statement.

Yes Kerwin, the word ‘God’ is often used here and there to gain favour. I think every US president needs to say they are a Christian, otherwise they would never get into power.

[Author]

Posts