1 SAVIOUR, Prince of Israel's race,
See me from thy lofty throne;
Give the sweet relenting grace,
Soften this obdurate stone!
Stone to flesh, O God, convert;
Cast a look, and break my heart!
2 By thy Spirit, Lord, reprove,
All my inmost sins reveal,
Sins against thy light and love
Let me see, and let me feel;
Sins that crucified my God,
Spilt again thy precious blood.
3 Jesu, seek thy wandering sheep,
Make me restless to return;
Bid me look on thee, and weep,
Bitterly as Peter mourn,
Till I say, by grace restored,
"Now thou know'st I love thee, Lord!"
4 Might I in thy sight appear,
As the publican distrest,
Stand, not daring to draw near,
Smite on my unworthy breast,
Groan the sinner's only plea,
"God, be merciful to me!"
5 O remember me for good,
Passing through the mortal vale!
Show me the atoning blood,
When my strength and spirit fail;
Give my gasping soul to see
Jesus crucified for me!
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Saviour, Prince Of Israel's Race Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Charles Wesley's enduring hymn, "Saviour, Prince Of Israel's Race," stands as a profound declaration of faith, rooted deeply in the rich tapestry of Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment. While this hymn, like many of Wesley's prolific works, has graced congregations and recordings for centuries, its power remains undiminished, continuing to speak to hearts seeking solace and salvation in Christ. Penned by one of the co-founders of Methodism, the hymn emerges from a period of fervent spiritual revival, characterized by a desire to connect individuals intimately with the living Christ through heartfelt worship and sound doctrine. Wesley, a master of theological poetry, crafted this text not merely as a song, but as a theological treatise set to meter, designed to teach, inspire, and lead the singer into a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished.
The hymn's central focus immediately captures the multifaceted identity of Jesus, highlighted in the opening title: "Saviour, Prince Of Israel's Race." The designation "Saviour" is direct and universally understood within Christian theology, speaking to Jesus' role in delivering humanity from sin and death, a truth powerfully proclaimed throughout Scripture, from the angel's words to Joseph in Matthew 1:21, stating Jesus would save His people from their sins, to the broader declaration in John 3:16 about God's love in sending His Son to save the world. This title encapsulates the core message of the Gospel – salvation is found in Him.
Coupled with "Saviour" is the deeply significant title, "Prince Of Israel's Race." This phrase anchors Jesus firmly within the lineage and promises made to Israel throughout the Old Testament. It echoes prophecies concerning the Messiah, who would come from Abraham's seed, inherit David's throne, and rule as a righteous King (Genesis 22:18, Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:32-33). Wesley here emphasizes that Jesus is not a disconnected deity, but the promised one, the fulfillment of centuries of expectation, the true King of Israel, whose reign extends beyond a physical nation to encompass all who are united with Him by faith, becoming part of the spiritual Israel (Galatians 3:29, Romans 9:6-8). This title underscores His authority, His rightful claim to our allegiance, and His identity as the culmination of God's redemptive plan woven through history.
As the hymn unfolds, it typically explores the implications of these titles, often moving to describe the state of humanity before Christ – lost, bound by sin, estranged from God. It then contrasts this with the transformative power of Jesus' work on the cross. The redemption He secured is not just a historical event but a personal reality for those who believe. Scripture vividly portrays this transformation as being brought from darkness to light (Colossians 1:13), being reconciled to God through Christ's sacrifice (Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19), and becoming a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Wesley's verses articulate this movement from bondage to freedom, from alienation to adoption, made possible solely by the grace and merit of the Saviour-Prince.
The hymn often culminates in a call to faith and a celebration of the new life found in Christ. It prompts the singer or listener to respond to Jesus' identity and work, inviting a personal turning to Him for salvation and guidance. This aligns perfectly with the biblical call to repentance and belief (Acts 3:19, Romans 10:9-10), emphasizing that salvation is received through faith in the one who is both our deliverer and our sovereign. Singing "Saviour, Prince Of Israel's Race" becomes an act of confessing allegiance to this unique figure – acknowledging Him as the one who has saved us and submitting to Him as the one who rules over us. It is a hymn that not only teaches profound theological truths but also stirs the heart to worship and live in light of them, reminding believers of their identity in Christ and the glorious hope found in His kingship and saving power.
