1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.
2 The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
3 The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
—
Handel’s music text:
Blessed are they that considereth the poor and needy:
the Lord will deliver them in time of trouble,
the Lord preserve them and comfort them.
They deliver the poor that crieth, the fatherless
and him that hath none to help him.
The Lord will comfort them.
O God, who from the suckling’s mouth
ordaineth early praise,
of such as worship Thee in truth
accept the humble lays.
The charitables shall be had in everlasting remembrance
and the good will shine as the brightness of the firmament.
Comfort them, O Lord, when they are sick:
make thou their bed in sickness.
Keep them alive, let them be blessed upon the earth
and not deliver them unto their foes.
Hallelujah.
The Kingdom of this world
is become the kingdom of our Lord
and of His Christ,
and He shall reign forever and ever.
Hallelujah!
Handel offered his first benefit concert for the Hospital in 1749 to fund the completion of the Chapel, and composed the anthem Blessed are they that considereth the poor, known as the Foundling Hospital Anthem, for this occasion. (source: Foundling Museum)
Performed by The Academy of Ancient Music, Dir. Simon Preston, Choir of Christ Church Cathedral Oxford
Soloists Emma Kirkby – Judith Nelson – Shirley Minty – James Bowman – Martyn Hill – David Thomas
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
![Blessed are they that considereth the poor [Foundling Hospital Anthem] (Psalm 41:1-3) – George F. Handel](https://cdn.statically.io/img/bibleasmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/220px-Georg_Friedrich_Händel.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
