The Hymns in the Christadelphian Hymn Book are rich in their direct and indirect allusions to Scripture. This should not be surprising as each hymn was selected because of its Biblical expressions and ideas. When combined with beautiful music these ideas become a wonderful prompt to help us to recall the people, events and God’s teaching found throughout Scripture.
Hymns are not composed or authored in a few moments of quiet reflection. It requires prayerful and thoughtful concentration to write a hymn. Very often the music is composed and then words are written that fit the music. Occasionally this sequence is reversed and music is written to fit the words. However pleasing the hymn music may be, it is the words that give substance and meaning to a hymn.
Many of the hymns we use are rich in concept and draw deeply from God’s Word. Following is an example of one such hymn (357) which was studied and analyzed at a sisters’ class. The four verses in this hymn have each been considered in detail. It is immediately apparent that each phrase in this hymn has many Scriptural connections and allusions. As we come to appreciate the richness of our hymns, our life in Christ can be encouraged and strengthened in a variety of circumstances and needs.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One