By Darren Glenewinkel
revised by Pastor Clinton Macomber
One of the most beloved hymns symbolizing the Majesty and Power of God this hymn is still very pertinent today. Written by Isaac Watts in the year 1715 designed especially for children. This was published in Divine and Moral songs for Children. This hymn was originally written in the German language known as “Ellacombe”. It was first written in Wittenberg, Germany in 1784. The father of English hymnody who was in frail health during much of his life penned this hymn. An invalid for the last thirty years of his life, Watts was devoted to writing of god’s Majestic Power. His ambition was quoted as “My design was not to exalt myself to the rank and glory of poet, but I was ambitious to be a servant to the churches, and a helper to the joy of the meanest Christian.” Isaac Watts went home to experience the Majesty of his God in 1748.
Ralph Vanghan Williams arranged the music for this hymn in 1906. He was born October 12, 1872 in Gloucestershire, England. He died on August 26, 1958 in London. He was a best known composer and musical editor for the English Hymnal in 1906. Inspired as was Isaac Watts, Williams wrote this tune as he saw the Might Hand of God working in his life.
Other hymns by Isaac Watts include:
- “Jesus Shall Reign”
- “O God Our Help in Ages Past”
- “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
- “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?”
- “Joy to the World”
A hymn of Majesty, Power and Glory, believers of all ages can take refuge in the power displayed by God the Father through his Son Jesus Christ when power over death, hell and sin were displayed at the Cross of Calvary.
Bibliography:
Forrest M. McCann, Hymns and History, ACU Press, Abilene, TX copyright 1997, pp. 143, 546.
Kenneth Osbeck, 101 Hymn Stories, Kregel Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI, 1982.
http://www.webedelic.com/church/mightyf.htm
http://www.preciouslordtakemyhand.com/christianhymns/ising.html
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/s/isingthe.htm
Pictures: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/s/isingthe.htm
