# The Name of Jesus explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This hymn celebrates the power and sweetness of the name of Jesus for believers. It describes how Jesus' name soothes sorrows, heals wounds, and dispels fear. The hymn portrays Jesus as the rock, shield, hiding-place, and treasury of grace, through whom prayers are accepted despite sin. It acknowledges Satan's accusations but affirms the believer's status as a child of God. Jesus is hailed as Shepherd, Husband, Friend, Prophet, Priest, and King. The hymn expresses the weakness of human praise and the hope of perfect praise in heaven, while committing to proclaim His love until death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The name of Jesus brings boundless stores of grace, and prayers are accepted despite sin.

### Spiritual Warfare

Satan accuses, but the believer is safe in Jesus, who is a shield and hiding-place.

### Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life

The hymn looks forward to seeing Jesus as He is and praising Him perfectly in heaven.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

The central figure; His name is sweet, soothing, healing, and a source of grace and acceptance.

### Satan

Accuses the believer, but in vain because of Jesus' name.

### The Narrator

The believer who speaks of the sweetness of Jesus' name and expresses personal devotion.

### The Good Shepherd

Jesus is addressed as Shepherd, indicating His care and guidance.

## Key lines

> How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer’s ear!

The name of Jesus is delightful and comforting to those who believe.

_The opening line sets the tone of personal affection and spiritual comfort._

> It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear.

Jesus' name brings peace to grief, healing to hurts, and removes fear.

_Emphasizes the therapeutic and protective power of Jesus' name._

> Dear name! the rock on which I build, My shield and hiding-place My never-failing treas'ry, fill'd With boundless stores of grace.

The precious name of Jesus is my foundation, protection, and source of infinite grace.

_Uses metaphors of rock, shield, hiding-place, and treasury to describe Jesus' sufficiency._

> By thee my pray'rs acceptance gain, Although with sin defiled; Satan accuses me in vain, And I am own'd a child.

Through Jesus, my prayers are accepted despite my sin; Satan's accusations are futile because I am recognized as God's child.

_Highlights the believer's standing before God through Christ and victory over accusation._

> Weak is the effort of my heart, And cold my warmest thought; But when I see thee as thou art I’ll praise thee as I ought.

My praise is feeble and my affections are lukewarm, but in heaven, when I see Jesus fully, I will praise Him perfectly.

_Acknowledges human limitation and anticipates the perfection of worship in glory._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/57-the-name-of-jesus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters