Psalm 107: 23–26 -Tomorrow’s hymn of the day is Eternal Father, Strong to Save (LSB
#717). is a hymn written by William Whiting in 1860 inspired by the dangers of
the sea described in Psalm 107. This hymn is commonly associated with
seafarers, particularly in the naval armed services, and is often referred to
as the "Navy Hymn." This hymn also has a long tradition in civilian
maritime settings and is regularly called upon by ship's chaplains and sung
during services on ocean travels.
The first stanza, from the original Navy Hymn, proclaims the
supremacy of our heavenly Father over the sea. The next two stanzas declare the
authority of the Son and the Holy Spirit over the land and the air,
respectively. Finally, the fourth stanza affirms the sovereignty of the Triune
God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, over all our foes. Let us put our trust in
God alone for protection from all our enemies, whether physical or spiritual.
The Story Behind Eternal Father, Strong to Save
The original hymn was penned in 1860 by William Whiting, an
Anglican churchman from Winchester, United Kingdom. Whiting grew up near the
shores of England, and at the age of thirty-five had felt his life saved by God
when a fierce storm nearly destroyed the ship he was traveling on, instilling a
faith in God's control over the rage and calm of the sea. As headmaster of the
Winchester College Choristers' School some years later, he was approached by a
student about to travel to the United States, who expressed to Whiting a
tremendous fear of the ocean voyage. Whiting shared his experiences of the
ocean and wrote the hymn to "anchor his faith". Whiting is commonly
believed to have been inspired by Psalm 107, which describes the power and danger
of the seas in great detail:
"Some went out on
the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful
deeds in the deep. For he spoke and
stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens
and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away."
1 Eternal Father,
strong to save,
Whose arm does bind
the restless wave,
Who bids the mighty
ocean deep
Its own appointed
limits keep;
O hear us when we
cry to Thee
For those in peril
on the sea.
Source:
Image by Julius
Schnoor von Carolsfeld, copyright © WELS permission granted for personal and
congregational use
Lutheran Service
Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
No comments:
Post a Comment