Scripture Verse

Hosanna to the Son of David. Matthew 21:9

Introduction

portrait
Catherine Winkworth
1827–1878

Words: Mar­tin Behm, Cen­tur­ia Pre­ca­ti­o­num Rhy­thm­i­ca­rum (Wit­ten­berg, Ger­ma­ny: 1606) (O Kö­nig All­er Ehr­en). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to En­glish by Ca­the­rine Wink­worth, Ly­ra Ger­ma­ni­ca (Lon­don & New York: George Newnes & Charles Scrib­ner’s Sons, 1855), pag­es 215–16.

Music: Kings­fold Eng­lish tune, ar­ranged by Ralph Vaugh­an Will­iams, 1906 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Ralph Vaughan Williams
1872–1958

Lyrics

O King of Glory! David’s Son!
Our sovereign and our friend!
In Heav’n forever stands Thy throne,
Thy kingdom hath no end:
Oh now to all men, far and near,
Lord, make it known, we pray,
That as in Heav’n all creatures here
May know Thee and obey.

The eastern sages gladly bring
Their tribute-gifts to Thee;
They witness that Thou art their king,
And humbly bow the knee;
To Thee the morning star doth lead,
To Thee th’inspirèd Word,
We hail Thee, Savior in our need,
We worship Thee, the Lord.

Ah look on me with pitying grace,
Though weak and poor I be,
Within Thy kingdom grant a place
Secure and blest to me.
O rescue me from all my woes,
And shield me with Thine arm
From sin and death, the mighty foes
That daily seek our harm.

And bid Thy Word, the fairest star,
Within us clearly shine;
Keep sin and all false doctrine far,
Since Thou hast claimed us Thine:
Let us Thy name aright confess,
And with Thy Christendom,
Our king and Savior own and bless
Through all the world to come.