August 5, 2007
‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah’ (1907) Page 127
Words: William Williams ( 1717 – 1791)
Music: John Hughes (1873 - 1932)
After he was converted, William Williams decided to take all of Wales as his parish. And for the next 43 years, Williams traveled 100,000 miles on horseback, preaching and singing the gospel in his native tongue. He became known as ‘the sweet singer of Wales.’
The vivid, symbolic imagery of this text is drawn wholly from the Bible. The general setting is the march of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan. Although the Israelites' sin and unbelief kept them from their destination for 40 years, God provided for their physical needs with a new supply of manna each day.
Twice during the Hebrews' years of wandering, they became faint because of lack of water. At the command of God, Moses struck a large rock with his wooden staff. Out of it flowed a pure, crystalline stream that preserved their lives. God also continued to guide them with a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.
This very personal hymn seeks the same care that God gave the Israelites in the wilderness: "Bread of heaven", the manna in the wilderness, "Open now the crystal fountain", water from the rock, "Let the fire and cloudy pillar", the pillar God used to guide them and protect them in the wilderness.
‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah’ has been translated into seventy-five languages. It is so loved in Wales that it is considered an unofficial national anthem. It is often spontaneously sung at Welsh sporting events, and was sung at Princess Diana's funeral.
‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah’ (1907) Page 127
Words: William Williams ( 1717 – 1791)
Music: John Hughes (1873 - 1932)
After he was converted, William Williams decided to take all of Wales as his parish. And for the next 43 years, Williams traveled 100,000 miles on horseback, preaching and singing the gospel in his native tongue. He became known as ‘the sweet singer of Wales.’
The vivid, symbolic imagery of this text is drawn wholly from the Bible. The general setting is the march of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan. Although the Israelites' sin and unbelief kept them from their destination for 40 years, God provided for their physical needs with a new supply of manna each day.
Twice during the Hebrews' years of wandering, they became faint because of lack of water. At the command of God, Moses struck a large rock with his wooden staff. Out of it flowed a pure, crystalline stream that preserved their lives. God also continued to guide them with a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.
This very personal hymn seeks the same care that God gave the Israelites in the wilderness: "Bread of heaven", the manna in the wilderness, "Open now the crystal fountain", water from the rock, "Let the fire and cloudy pillar", the pillar God used to guide them and protect them in the wilderness.
‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah’ has been translated into seventy-five languages. It is so loved in Wales that it is considered an unofficial national anthem. It is often spontaneously sung at Welsh sporting events, and was sung at Princess Diana's funeral.
Meanwhile…1907…100 years ago…in the United States…
President: Theodore Roosevelt…V.P.: Charles W. Fairbanks
Bread: 5¢/loaf, Milk: 7¢/qt., Car: $500, House: $4,500, Stamp: 2¢,
Avg. Income: $897/year, Unemployment: 2.8%, Population: 87 million
Top Songs: ‘Maxim’s’ (Adrian Ross), ‘Bon Bon Buddy’ (Alex Rogers),
‘Harrigan’ (George Cohan)
S.T. Davidson was pastor of Sheridan Methodist Church
Ref. HymnHistories Cyberhymnal WebEdelic HymnNuts TanBible Wikipedia
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