Olney Hymns · Chapter
Jehovah-Jesus explained
This hymn exalts Jesus Christ as both the eternal God and the Savior, emphasizing His divine nature, His incarnation, and the assurance of salvation through His work.
What happens
This hymn exalts Jesus Christ as both the eternal God and the Savior, emphasizing His divine nature, His incarnation, and the assurance of salvation through His work. The speaker expresses confident faith and worship, rejoicing in the name Emmanuel and the certainty of salvation.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Trust in Christ
The hymn expresses confident faith in Christ as the object of trust, not of sense, and the assurance of salvation.
Grace and Unmerited Favor
Salvation is presented as Christ's dearest claim, a gracious gift received through faith.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Addressed as Jehovah-Jesus, the eternal God and Savior, who is worshipped for His divine nature and saving work.
- The Narrator
The speaker expresses personal faith and confidence in Christ's salvation.
Key passages
“My song shall bless the Lord of all, My praise shall climb to his abode.”
I will sing praises to the Lord of everything, and my worship will ascend to His heavenly dwelling.
The opening lines dedicate the hymn to praising God.
“As much, when in the manger laid, Almighty Ruler of the sky, As when the six days work he made Fill’d all the morning-stars with joy.”
He is just as much the Almighty Ruler of heaven when lying in the manger as when He created the world in six days and the angels rejoiced.
Affirms the full divinity of Christ in His incarnation.
“Of all the crowns Jehovah bears, Salvation is his dearest claim: That gracious sound well pleased he hears, And owns Emmanuel for his name.”
Among all His royal titles, 'Savior' is the one He loves most; He delights in that name and is called Emmanuel, meaning 'God with us.'
Highlights salvation as central to Christ's identity.
“As man he pities my complaint, His power and truth are all divine— He will not fail, he cannot faint, Salvation’s sure, and must be mine.”
In His humanity, He sympathizes with my troubles; His power and truth are fully divine, so He will never fail or grow weak. My salvation is certain and guaranteed.
Expresses confidence in Christ's ability to save.