Poetry · Chapter
Song of the Lonely explained
A solitary speaker expresses deep homesickness and longing for the divine Father's presence, seeking shelter and comfort from the cold and fear of the world, and yearning for the eternal gathering of God's children.
What happens
A solitary speaker expresses deep homesickness and longing for the divine Father's presence, seeking shelter and comfort from the cold and fear of the world, and yearning for the eternal gathering of God's children.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Fatherhood
The speaker directly addresses God as 'Father' and 'loving Father', seeking warmth and shelter beside the Father's chair.
Longing for Immortality
The poem expresses a deep homesickness for the divine home and a yearning for the 'endless marriage-feast', reflecting a desire for eternal union.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Hide me from the tempest’s chiding Warm beside the Father’s chair.”
Protect me from the harshness of the storm by letting me rest safely near the Father's throne.
The speaker seeks refuge from life's difficulties in the comforting presence of God.
“I am homesick, Lord of splendour! Twilight fills my soul with fright: Let thy countenance befriend her, Shining from the halls of light.”
I long for home, glorious Lord; the darkness of evening terrifies my soul: May your face shine upon me from your radiant heavenly dwelling.
The speaker expresses fear of spiritual darkness and pleads for the illuminating and reassuring presence of God.
“Soon, oh soon! thy children gather To the endless marriage-feast.”
May it be soon that all your children come together for the eternal celebration of union with you.
The speaker yearns for the final gathering of believers in God's eternal kingdom.