Title: The God of Abraham praise
Hymn Number: SS&S 4 (Sacred Songs and Solos)
1. The God of Abraham praise!
Who reigns enthroned above,
Ancient of everlasting days,
And God of love !
Jehovah,great I AM !
By earth and Heaven confest !
I bow, and bless the sacred name,
For ever blest !
2. The God of Abraham praise !
At whose supreme command
From earth I rise, and seek the joys
At His right hand :
I all on earth forsake,
Its wisdom, fame, and power,
And Him my only portion make,
My Shield and Tower.
3. The God of Abraham praise !
Whose all-sufficient grace
Shall guide me all my happy days
In all my ways :He calls a worm His friend !
He calls Himself my God !
And He shall save me to the end
Through Jesus’ blood !
4. He by Himself hath sworn,
I on His oath depend ;
I shall, on eagles’ wings up borne,
To heaven ascend :
I shall behold His face,
I shall His power adore,
And sing the wonders of His grace
For evermore !
5. The whole triumphant host
Give thanks to God on high:
Hail ! Father, Son, and Holy
They ever cry : [Ghost !
Hail ! Abraham’s God and mine !
I join the heavenly lays;
All might and majesty are Thine,
And endless praise!
About the hymn
The hymn “The God of Abraham Praise,” a well-known Christian hymn often found in collections like Sacred Songs and Solos, is a majestic celebration of God’s eternal faithfulness, drawn from Jewish and Christian traditions. Written by Thomas Olivers in the 18th century, it was inspired by the Jewish Yigdal, a hymn based on the Thirteen Principles of Faith by Maimonides, a medieval Jewish philosopher. The hymn highlights God’s covenant with Abraham, His attributes of power, mercy, and faithfulness, and the eternal hope believers have in Him.
Verse 1: Exalting the God of Abraham
The opening verse proclaims, “The God of Abraham praise,” declaring adoration for the God who made a covenant with Abraham, the father of the faith. This reference to Abraham places the hymn firmly within the biblical story of salvation, acknowledging that God’s promises to Abraham continue to be fulfilled. The use of Abraham’s name is significant, as it invokes God’s covenant faithfulness to His chosen people, both Jews and Christians.
The hymn affirms God as the “great I Am,” an allusion to God’s self-revelation to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14), where He declares Himself as “I AM WHO I AM.” This name signifies God’s eternal, self-existent nature—He is not dependent on anything outside Himself. By praising the “great I Am,” the hymn recognizes God’s sovereignty and eternal nature, characteristics that transcend time and space.
The phrase “by earth and heaven confessed” reflects the universal recognition of God’s kingship. All creation, both earthly and heavenly beings, acknowledge His authority and majesty. It is a call for believers to join with creation in praising the God who is not only Abraham’s God but the God of all.
Verse 2: God’s Power and Faithfulness
The second verse delves into God’s power and faithfulness. It speaks of God as the “eternal Lord” who “reigns on high,” emphasizing His sovereign rule over the universe. He is not only the God of Abraham but the God of all generations, whose promises remain steadfast throughout time.
The hymn proclaims that God is “the Ancient of eternal days,” a reference to the divine title given in Daniel 7:9, where God is depicted as the eternal King who sits on the throne of judgment. This title underscores God’s timeless nature, further emphasizing that He transcends all human understanding of time and history. He is the God of both the past and the future, and His rule is unending.
There is also a sense of God’s unchanging character in this verse. Despite the passage of time, God’s nature remains constant—He is forever merciful, just, and faithful. This consistency offers believers a source of comfort, knowing that they can rely on God’s eternal promises.
Verse 3: God’s Attributes and Works
The third verse shifts to a reflection on God’s attributes and His works. It speaks of His “truth and grace,” two central qualities that define God’s dealings with humanity. His truth is unshakeable, and His grace is abundant. These attributes make Him worthy of praise and worship.
The verse also touches upon God’s creation and providence. He is the Creator who “spread the heavens abroad,” an image drawn from the Genesis creation account, where God establishes the heavens and the earth. This highlights God’s power and wisdom in ordering the universe, reminding believers of His ultimate control over all things.
In this context, believers are reminded of God’s acts of providence and care. His ongoing work in creation is not distant or removed; He is intimately involved in sustaining the world and providing for His people. This care extends to both physical and spiritual realms, as God provides not only for material needs but also for the soul’s salvation.
Verse 4/5: The Eternal Kingdom and Hope of Heaven
The final verse celebrates the eternal hope that believers have in God’s kingdom. It speaks of God’s kingdom as “everlasting” and “his own dominion,” pointing to the eschatological hope that Christians hold—namely, the future realization of God’s reign in full glory. This echoes the biblical promise that God’s kingdom will endure forever, as prophesied in books like Daniel and Revelation.
The hymn also touches upon the hope of the afterlife, where the faithful will reign with God in “endless bliss.” It points to the resurrection hope that believers have in Jesus Christ, the assurance that death is not the end, but a gateway to eternal life with God. This future kingdom is described as a place of glory, joy, and peace, where God’s people will dwell forever in His presence.
The mention of angels once again underscores the universal nature of worship. Just as the angels praise God in heaven, so too do the redeemed on earth, forming a united chorus of praise to the Creator and Redeemer.
Overall Message and Significance
“The God of Abraham Praise” is a hymn of deep theological richness, celebrating God’s attributes, His covenant with Abraham, and His eternal reign. It reflects on the timeless nature of God, His sovereignty, faithfulness, and the hope of eternal life that believers share. By invoking the story of Abraham, the hymn reminds worshippers of God’s unbroken promises and the ongoing fulfillment of His covenant through the ages.
The hymn also points believers toward the future, where they will experience the fullness of God’s kingdom in the life to come. Its majestic tone and triumphant message make it a favorite in Christian worship, often used in contexts that call for a powerful expression of faith and hope.