1 WHAT was it blessed God,
Led Thee to give Thy Son,
To yield Thy well-beloved
For us by sin undone?
'Twas love unbounded led Thee thus
To give Thy well-beloved for us.
2 What led Thy Son, O God,
To leave Thy throne on high,
To shed His precious blood,
To suffer and to die?
'Twas love, unbounded love to us,
Led Him to die and suffer thus.
3 What moved Thee to impart
Thy Spirit from above,
Therewith to fill our heart
With heavenly peace and love?
'Twas love, unbounded love to us,
Moved Thee to give Thy Spirit thus.
4 What love to Thee we owe,
Our God, for all Thy grace!
Our hearts may well o'erflow
In everlasting praise:
Make us, O God, to praise Thee thus
For all Thy boundless love to us.
This hymn is sung in a few churches other than “Brethren,” eg, the Metropolitan Tabernacle (Spurgeon).
What is noticeable, are the changes seen in the different hymn books. Now we know that editing was a regular practice. What was the original text by Anne Gilbert?
Between the words above (were these Gilbert’s?) and those in the Believers Hymn Book (italics):
“WHAT was it blessed God,”
“What was it, O our God,”
It’s a lovely expression, “O our God,” often found in the OT.
“What led Thy Son, O God,
To leave Thy throne on high,”
“What led the Son of God
To leave His throne on high”
Of the pre-incarnate Son it is said, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever.”
“Our hearts may well o'erflow”
“Our hearts should overflow”
Perhaps there’s a greater expression of faith in “may well”
“Make us, O God, to praise Thee thus”
“Help us, O God, to praise Thee thus”
Isn’t “help us, O God,” more of a humble and sincere cry?
Just a few thoughts. But you know, when one sings the words of these truly inspired hymns, your heart should resonate with the deep Scriptural truths, and hopefully by the Spirit’s help, worship in spirit and in truth.
Looking to see "What's New" and coming to the comments on this hymn, listening to the brethren singing it so enthusiastically, cheered me up no end! They might not be a choir of professional singers but they certainly put thir heart and soul into it and made a joyful sound! Thank you!
Indeed, "Blessed be God, our God!"
