Sound The Trumpet

Verse

In the days of Mattathias, when the heathen raged around,

They defiled the holy altar, tore the temple to the ground.

But the hammer of the Maccabees rose up in righteous might,

“Who is on the Lord’s side?” they cried into the night.

(Judges 5:8 – “When they chose new gods; then was war in the gates”)

Chorus

Sound the trumpet! Light the lamp!

Eight days of fire, eight days of fight!

For the oil that burned, for the blood that was spilt,

We dedicate the house in the dead of night!

(John 10:22-23 – “And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.”)

Verse

From Modin’s hills to Emmaus’ plain, the swords of God did sing,

Judas led the faithful few against the Syrian king.

Though outnumbered, though outarmed, they trusted in the Lord,

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” saith the Word.

(Zechariah 4:6)

Chorus

Sound the trumpet! Light the lamp!

Eight days of fire, eight days of fight!

For the oil that burned, for the blood that was spilt,

We dedicate the house in the dead of night!

Bridge

“Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered!”

(Psalm 68:1)

With the jawbone of an ass, with the sling and with the stone,

From Gideon’s three hundred to the walls of Jericho,

Every victory is the Lord’s – the battle is His own!

Verse

Now the temple stands redeemed, the menorah burns anew,

Yet the war is never over till the Prince of Peace breaks through.

In the winter of our souls, when the darkness presses hard,

We remember the dedication – “Sanctify the Lord of hosts!”

(Isaiah 8:13)

Chorus

Sound the trumpet! Light the lamp!

Eight days of fire – now eternal light!

For the Lamb who was slain, for the temple made of men,

We dedicate our lives in the feast tonight!

(Revelation 21:22 – “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”)

Outro

“And they kept the dedication of the altar eight days, and offered burnt offerings with gladness…” (1 Maccabees 4:56, echoed in the spirit of the KJV)