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Poetry · Chapter

Song-Sermon: Mercy to Thee, O Lord, Belongs explained

A poetic meditation on divine mercy, acknowledging that all wrongs originate from humanity rather than God, who administers justice and healing through suffering.

What happens

A poetic meditation on divine mercy, acknowledging that all wrongs originate from humanity rather than God, who administers justice and healing through suffering.

Themes in this chapter

  • Redemption and Grace

    The central theme of mercy belonging to God, who redeems human failings through his work and judgment.

  • Suffering and Purification

    Imagery of whips and scorpion thongs suggests suffering as a divine tool to cleanse and correct.

Characters to notice

  • God

    Addressed as the Lord to whom mercy belongs, who gives work to man and lays bans on ills.

  • Unknown

    The speaker who confesses human wrongdoing and appeals to divine mercy.

Key passages

  • “Mercy to thee, O Lord, belongs, For as his work thou giv’st the man.”

    Lord, mercy is yours to give, for you assign each person their labor as part of your design.

    Establishes God's sovereignty and the gift of purposeful work.

  • “With small-cord whips and scorpion thongs Thou lay’st on every ill thy ban.”

    You place a curse on every evil using instruments of punishment.

    Depicts divine judgment as both corrective and merciful.

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