Olney Hymns · Chapter
On One Stone Shall Be Seven Eyes explained
This hymn celebrates Jesus Christ as the divinely appointed cornerstone of the church, upon whom all believers are built.
What happens
This hymn celebrates Jesus Christ as the divinely appointed cornerstone of the church, upon whom all believers are built. It reflects on the many eyes fixed upon Him—the Father's approving eye, the angels' astonished gaze, Satan's defeated stare, and the believer's healing look. The hymn contrasts the blessed vision of faith with the dread of carnal reason, culminating in the assurance of Christ's final gathering of His saints.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Salvation
The hymn centers on Christ's sacrificial death as the means of redemption, delivering all who trust in Him from guilt and providing a pardon sealed.
Divine Providence and Guidance
The stone is appointed by God, and the Father's approving eye and voice from heaven affirm the divine plan of salvation.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
The central figure, described as the Stone appointed by God, the Lord's Anointed, who spilt His blood for sinners and is the foundation of the church.
- God
The Father who approves the Son and declares from heaven that Jesus is His beloved, given as a ransom for sinners.
- Satan
Satan and his host are amazed and defeated as Christ bruises the serpent's head through His death on the cross.
- Angels
Angels followed Christ with astonishment when He left His throne and took on the form of a servant, and they worshipped Him.
- The Saints
The blood-bought flock who behold their Saviour with desire and admiration, though their warmest love and praises are too cold.
Key passages
“I Jesus Christ, the Lord’s Anointed, Who his blood for sinners spilt, Is the Stone by God appointed, And the church is on him built: He delivers all who trust him from their guilt.”
Jesus, the Messiah, shed His blood for sinners and is the divinely chosen cornerstone; the church is founded on Him, and He rescues all who believe in Him from their sins.
This paraphrase captures the core declaration of Christ as the appointed foundation and redeemer.
“Satan and his host, amazed, Saw this Stone in Zion laid; Jesus, though to death abased, Bruised the subtle Serpent’s head When, to save us, on the cross his blood he shed.”
Satan and his demons were astonished to see the Messiah established in Zion; even though Jesus humbled Himself to death, He crushed the serpent's head by shedding His blood on the cross for our salvation.
This paraphrase highlights the cosmic victory over evil achieved through Christ's crucifixion.
“When a guilty sinner sees him, While he looks his soul is heal’d; Soon this sight from anguish frees him, And imparts a pardon seal’d: May this Saviour be to all our hearts reveal’d!”
When a sinner beholds Christ, their soul is healed and freed from anguish, receiving a sealed pardon; the hymn prays that this Saviour would be revealed to all hearts.
This paraphrase emphasizes the healing and forgiving power of looking to Christ in faith.