The Bible as Music

Jeremiah 14:17-22

¹⁷ Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

¹⁸ If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

¹⁹ Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and there is no healing for us? we looked for peace, and there is no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!

²⁰ We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.

²¹ Do not abhor us, for thy name’s sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.

²² Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O Lord our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.

—

 Let mine eyes run down with tears (c. 1682), by Henry Purcell (1659-1695)

Performed by Choir of New College, The King’s Consort

SHEET MUSIC

English Church Music, Volume 1: Anthems and Motets by Robert King. Arranged by John Rutter. For SATB choir with keyboard/unaccompanied/basso continuo. Oxford Choral Classics Collections. Sacred, Choral Collection. Vocal score. 384 pages. Published by Oxford University Press