Olney Hymns · Chapter
Chapter 106 explained
This chapter is a hymn of praise to the Holy Trinity—God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
What happens
This chapter is a hymn of praise to the Holy Trinity—God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It celebrates the eternal nature of this praise, which was sung by angels at the beginning of time and will be sung by humanity for all eternity.
Themes in this chapter
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The hymn emphasizes that Jesus died for sinners, highlighting the unmerited grace of God.
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
The promise of praise through 'vast eternity's long years' points to the hope of eternal life with God.
Characters to notice
- God
The Father is praised for His name and glory.
- Jesus Christ
Jesus is praised for dying for sinners.
- The Holy Spirit
The Spirit is praised for sanctifying our souls.
- Angels
Angels sang God's praise at the beginning of time.
- The Saints
Humanity, represented by the saints, will sing God's praise for eternity.
Key passages
“I Glory to God the Father’s name, To Jesus, who for sinners died; The Holy Spirit claims the same, By whom our souls are sanctified.”
I give glory to God the Father, to Jesus who died for sinners, and to the Holy Spirit who makes our souls holy.
This opening stanza declares praise to each person of the Trinity, acknowledging their distinct roles in salvation.
“Thy praise was sung when time began, By angels, through the starry spheres And shall, as now, be sung by man Through vast eternity’s long years.”
Your praise was sung by angels at the dawn of creation, and it will be sung by humanity forever, just as it is now.
This stanza emphasizes the eternal nature of worship, connecting the praise of angels at creation with the eternal praise of redeemed humanity.