Behold a Host, Arrayed in White (CW 550)

Behold a Host, Arrayed in White (CW 550)

 

Revelation 7:9-17

9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God,

who sits on the throne,

and to the Lamb.”

11All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:

“Amen!

Praise and glory

and wisdom and thanks and honor

and power and strength

be to our God for ever and ever.

Amen!”

 13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes-who are they, and where did they come from?”

14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,

“they are before the throne of God

and serve him day and night in his temple;

and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.

16   Never again will they hunger;

never again will they thirst.

The sun will not beat upon them,

nor any scorching heat.

17   For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;

he will lead them to springs of living water.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

—————————————

1. How does Hans Brorson open his hymn? Read Revelation 7:9-17. To whom do they attribute their salvation (v. 10)?

2. What does a heavenly spokesman rhetorically ask John (v. 13)? How does he answer his own question (v. 14)?

Behold a Host, Arrayed in White (CW 550)

Behold a host, arrayed in white,

Like thousand snow-clad mountains bright!

   With palms they stand;

   Who is this band

Before the throne of light?

These are the saints of glorious fame,

Who from the great affliction came

   And in the flood

   Of Jesus’ blood

Are cleansed from guilt and shame.

They now serve God both day and night;

They sing their songs in endless light.

   Their anthems ring

   As they all sing

With angels shining bright.

Despised and scorned, they sojourned here;

But now, how glorious they appear!

   Those martyrs stand,

   A priestly band,

God’s throne forever near.

On earth they wept through bitter years;

Now God has wiped away their tears,

   Transformed their strife

   To heav’nly life,

And freed them from their fears.

They now enjoy the Sabbath rest,

The heav’nly banquet of the blest;

   The Lamb, their Lord,

   At festive board

Himself is host and guest.

O blessèd saints in bright array

Now safely home in endless day,

   Extol the Lord,

   Who with His Word

Sustained you on the way.

The steep and narrow path you trod;

You toiled and sowed the Word abroad;

   Rejoice and bring

   Your fruits and sing

Before the throne of God.

The myriad angels raise their song;

O saints, sing with that happy throng!

   Lift up one voice;

   Let heav’n rejoice

In our Redeemer’s song!