Olney Hymns · Chapter
Hebrews 13:20, 22 explained
This hymn is a prayer and doxology, invoking God's blessing through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Shepherd of the sheep.
What happens
This hymn is a prayer and doxology, invoking God's blessing through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Shepherd of the sheep. It asks for divine teaching, perfection in God's will, and preservation, and concludes with praise to the Redeemer who sealed the covenant with His blood.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Providence and Guidance
The hymn asks God to teach, perfect, and preserve believers, showing reliance on divine guidance and care.
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The covenant sealed with blood is a gracious act of redemption, and the hymn expresses thanksgiving for this unmerited favor.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Referred to as the Shepherd of the sheep, King and Head, and the Redeemer who sealed the covenant with blood.
- God
The one who brought Jesus from the dead and is asked to teach, perfect, and preserve believers.
- The Redeemer
Praised for sealing the covenant with blood.
Key passages
“Now may He who from the dead Brought the Shepherd of the sheep, Jesus Christ, our King and Head, All our souls in safety keep!”
May the God who raised Jesus from the dead, our Shepherd and King, protect our souls.
A prayer for divine protection based on the resurrection.
“To that dear Redeemer’s praise, Who the cov’nant seal’d with blood, Let our hearts and voices raise Loud thanksgivings to our God.”
Let us praise the Redeemer who sealed the covenant with His blood, offering heartfelt thanks to God.
A call to worship and gratitude for the new covenant.