Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee
Which were, and are, and evermore shall be
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Anthem Lights' rendition of the timeless hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" brings a fresh perspective to a classic declaration of faith. Released on June 8, 2018, this version continues the group's work in reinterpreting beloved worship songs for a contemporary audience, leveraging their signature vocal harmonies. The hymn itself, originally penned by Reginald Heber in the early 19th century, stands as one of Christianity's most enduring expressions of reverence towards the Triune God.
The central meaning of the song revolves around the profound holiness of God and the worship offered to Him. The opening stanza immediately sets this tone, repeating the descriptor "Holy, holy, holy," a phrase that emphasizes the absolute purity, set-apartness, and divine majesty of the Lord God Almighty. The reference to "early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee" speaks to a commitment to prioritizing worship and offering the first fruits of the day to God. Addressing God as "merciful and mighty" balances His awesome power with His compassionate nature. The direct statement, "God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!" is a clear affirmation of the Christian doctrine of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The second stanza expands the scope of worship beyond earthly bounds, describing celestial and redeemed beings joining in adoration. "All the saints adore Thee" speaks to the worship of those who have been redeemed and are in God's presence. The image of "Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea" is a powerful biblical depiction of surrendering all glory and achievement before the throne of God, reminiscent of scenes described in Revelation, such as Revelation 4:10 and Revelation 15:2. The mention of "Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee" brings in the heavenly host, referencing angelic beings known for their proximity to God's glory and their perpetual cry of "Holy, holy, holy," as found in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8. The concluding phrase, "Which were, and are, and evermore shall be," attributes eternal existence and unchanging nature to God, echoing descriptions like that in Revelation 4:8.
The final stanza reiterates the core themes of the first, emphasizing the universal scope of God's praise. "All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea" highlights the creation's inherent testimony to its Creator's glory, reflecting sentiments found in scriptures like Psalm 148, which calls on all of creation to praise the Lord. Returning to the address "Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!" firmly anchors the song in the worship of the one God existing in three co-equal persons. Anthem Lights' musical approach typically serves to make these deep theological truths accessible and emotionally resonant, encouraging listeners to join in this declaration of God's supreme holiness and worthiness of all praise. The enduring message of "Holy, Holy, Holy" is a call to recognize and bow before the magnificent, eternal, and triune God.
