Olney Hymns · Chapter
Prayer for Children explained
A prayer to God on behalf of children, pleading for their deliverance from Satan's reign and for their protection under God's wings, referencing the Passover and the angel of death.
What happens
A prayer to God on behalf of children, pleading for their deliverance from Satan's reign and for their protection under God's wings, referencing the Passover and the angel of death.
Themes in this chapter
Spiritual Warfare
The poem depicts children as subjects of Satan's reign and the need for divine protection against the 'ravenous bird of prey'.
Prayer and Dependence on God
The entire poem is a prayer, pleading for God's mercy and protection for children, and relying on the blood of Christ.
Characters to notice
- The Lord
Addressed as 'Gracious Lord' and 'King of kings', implored to see the children and hide them under His wings.
- Satan
Referred to as 'Satan's reign' and the 'fierce malicious foe' who watches over the children.
- Moses
Implied in the reference to 'Isr'el's young ones' and the Passover event.
- Pharaoh
Mentioned as 'Pharaoh' who threatened to withhold Israel's children.
Key passages
“I Gracious Lord, our children see! By thy mercy we are free, But shall these, alas! remain Subjects still of Satan’s reign?”
O gracious Lord, look upon our children! We have been freed by Your mercy, but will these little ones continue to be under Satan's control?
The speaker appeals to God's mercy and expresses concern for the spiritual state of the children.
“Isr’el’s young ones, when of old Pharaoh threaten’d to withhold, Then thy messenger said, “No— Let the children also go.””
When Pharaoh in ancient times tried to keep Israel's children from leaving, Your messenger declared, 'No, let the children go as well.'
Reference to the Exodus, where God commanded that the children of Israel be freed along with the adults.
“When the angel of the Lord, Drawing forth his dreadful sword, Slew, with an avenging hand, All the first-born of the land.”
When the angel of the Lord drew his terrifying sword and struck down all the firstborn of Egypt in vengeance.
Recalls the tenth plague of Egypt, where the angel of death passed over the homes marked with blood.
“Hear us now upon our knees, Plead the blood of Christ for these!”
Listen to us as we kneel in prayer, and apply the blood of Christ as a plea for these children.
The speaker asks God to hear their prayer and to consider the atoning blood of Christ on behalf of the children.
“Spread thy pinions, King of kings! Hide them safe beneath thy wings, Lest the ravenous bird of prey Stoop, and bear the brood away.”
Spread Your wings, King of kings! Shelter them safely under Your wings, so that the fierce bird of prey does not swoop down and carry them off.
A metaphor for God's protective care, asking for safety from the devil who seeks to destroy.