[Verse 1] The anger of the LORD is kindled, and David is moved to number Israel and Judah. Joab questions why the king delights in such a census. After nine months and twenty days the census party returns to Jerusalem. David's heart smites him after the people are numbered. [Pre-Chorus] The warning stood where no one wished to see, And every hidden root became a tree. [Chorus] Stay Now Thine Hand, let the warning remain, Hidden sin still flowers into pain. The word of the LORD exposed what men concealed, And judgment stood where every heart was revealed. [Verse 2] Pestilence spreads from morning until the appointed time. Seventy thousand people die from Dan to Beersheba. The destroying angel stretches toward Jerusalem. David sees the angel and asks that judgment fall on him rather than the sheep. [Bridge] Araunah bows and offers the place, oxen, and instruments without price. David refuses to offer to God what costs him nothing. He purchases the site and oxen for fifty shekels of silver. Burnt and peace offerings are made, and the plague is stayed from Israel. [Final Chorus] Stay Now Thine Hand, let the warning remain, Hidden sin still flowers into pain. The word of the LORD exposed what men concealed, And judgment stood where every heart stood revealed. [Outro] The warning did not vanish with the dust. The final line remembered judgment, fear, and trust.