# Jehovah-Rophi—I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This hymn by Cowper, based on Exodus 15, is a prayer for healing and faith. The speaker and fellow believers acknowledge their weak faith and deep wounds, yet they approach Christ, recalling the examples of the man who cried 'Lord, I believe, help my unbelief' and the woman who touched Jesus in the crowd and was healed. They express both hope and fear, asking that none be sent away unhealed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Trust in Christ

The hymn confesses feeble faith but trusts in Christ's willingness to heal, recalling the father's cry 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.'

### Suffering and Affliction

The 'deep-wounded souls' and the plea for healing highlight the affliction of sin and doubt.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Addressed as Emmanuel and Saviour, the healer to whom the wounded souls repair.

### The Narrator

The speaker confesses feeble faith and joins with others in seeking healing.

### The Waiting Soul

Represents the collective 'we' who are deep-wounded and waiting for Christ's touch.

## Key lines

> Lord, I believe, with tears he cried, '0 help my unbelief!'

The man in the Gospel, weeping, said, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.'

_Reference to Mark 9:24, illustrating the struggle between faith and doubt._

> She too who touch'd thee in the press, And healing virtue stole, Was answer'd, 'Daughter, go in peace: Thy faith hath made thee whole.'

The woman who secretly touched Jesus in the crowd and was healed received the response, 'Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace.'

_Reference to the healing of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34)._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/14-jehovah-rophi-i-am-the-lord-that-healeth-thee
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters