I’m pretty sure the imagery of the hymn How Firm a Foundation primarily draws from Isaiah 40–48. Perhaps the most obvious example of this is the second verse, which is a paraphrase of Isaiah 41:10. Since the hymn was written in 1787, perhaps the best way to see this parallel is to compare the second verse to the King James Version of Isaiah 41:10.
Continue reading “The Right Hand of Our Firm Foundation”Category: Hymns: Comments on Sacred Songs
PSA: How to Read a Hymnal
I attend Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA (aka John MacArthur’s church). Recently, my church unveiled a new hymnal. I’ve met a great number of people who had never opened a hymnal before coming to Grace. There was one time I was having a conversation with a worship leader and mentioned that I sometimes followed the bass line of the four part harmony. When he said he’d never noticed more than two voices in a hymnal, we realized he’d never noticed that there was music written BELOW the words as well as above them. As a result, I figured I’d put together this guide to help understand hymnals. Continue reading “PSA: How to Read a Hymnal”
All Glory Be to Christ
Shockingly, other kids used to make fun of me. Who would have thought a kid who could recite all the monarchs of England from 1066 to the present and who learned Riemann integration before how to throw a football would draw so much ire? Doesn’t everyone use a straightedge to aim their putts in minigolf? In high school I frequently used expressions no one else does, e.g., “What in Bonnie Prince Charlie’s name is going on?” This would prompt the question, “Who’s Bonnie Prince Charlie?” I shall now tell you. Continue reading “All Glory Be to Christ”
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Citizens & Sons 