1 WOE to the men on earth who dwell,
Nor dread the Almighty's frown,
When God doth all his wrath reveal,
And shower his judgments down!
2 Sinners, expect those heaviest showers,
To meet your God prepare;
For, lo! the seventh angel pours
His phial in the air.
3 Lo! from their seats the mountains leap,
The mountains are not found;
Transported far into the deep,
And in the ocean drowned.
4 Who then shall live, and face the throne,
And face the Judge severe?
When heaven and earth are fled and gone,
O where shall I appear?
5 Now, only now, against that hour
We may a place provide;
Beyond the grave, beyond the power
Of hell, our spirits hide:
6 Firm in the all-destroying shock,
May view the final scene;
For, lo! the everlasting Rock
Is cleft to take us in.
AND CAN IT BE by Charles Wesley | Hymn # 23
Woe To The Men On Earth Who Dwell Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Woe To The Men On Earth Who Dwell" is a powerful hymn written by Charles Wesley, a renowned hymn writer and co-founder of the Methodist movement. This timeless hymn conveys a stern warning about the impending judgment of God upon the earth and the need for sinners to prepare themselves before the Almighty.
1. Understanding the Meaning of the Song:
The hymn's title itself, "Woe To The Men On Earth Who Dwell," sets a somber tone, implying a sense of impending doom. It serves as a wake-up call for individuals who are living in sin and ignoring the consequences of their actions. The lyrics highlight the severity of God's judgment and the need for repentance.
2. The Inspiration and Story Behind the Hymn:
As with many hymns written by Charles Wesley, the inspiration for "Woe To The Men On Earth Who Dwell" can be traced back to his deep faith and biblical teachings. Wesley's hymns were often born out of personal experiences, scriptural reflections, and a desire to inspire and challenge believers in their walk with Christ.
3. Biblical References in the Song:
This hymn draws upon various biblical references to convey its message of impending judgment and the urgency for repentance. Some of these references include:
a) Revelation 16:1-21: The seventh angel pouring his phial in the air and the mountains being moved into the deep find their roots in this passage. The outpouring of the phial symbolizes God's final judgment upon the earth, while the mountains being moved signifies a complete and irreversible transformation of the world.
b) Hebrews 9:27: The verse "Who then shall live, and face the throne, And face the Judge severe?" reflects the biblical truth that every person will have to face the judgment of God at the end of their earthly lives. It emphasizes the need for individuals to be prepared to stand before God and give an account of their lives.
4. Practical Application to Christian Living:
The hymn "Woe To The Men On Earth Who Dwell" carries important lessons and applications for Christian living. Here are a few practical insights we can draw from this song:
a) Urgency in Repentance: The hymn reminds us of the urgent need to repent of our sins and turn to God. It serves as a wake-up call to examine our lives, identify areas of sin, and seek God's forgiveness and transformation. We should not delay repentance but instead respond immediately to God's call.
b) Awe of God's Judgment: The hymn points to the awe-inspiring power and sovereignty of God in His judgment. It encourages us to have a healthy fear of God's righteous judgment and to live in a way that honors Him. This should motivate us to live holy and obedient lives, knowing that one day we will all stand before His throne.
c) Confidence in God's Salvation: While the hymn highlights the seriousness of God's judgment, it also offers hope and assurance for those who have placed their faith in Christ. The reference to the "everlasting Rock" being cleft to take us in reminds us of the salvation and refuge we find in Jesus Christ. We can trust in His finished work on the cross and find shelter in Him.
d) Proclaiming the Gospel: The hymn serves as a reminder of the urgency to share the message of salvation with others. As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the good news of redemption and warning others of the consequences of rejecting God's grace. This hymn prompts us to be intentional in our evangelistic efforts.
Conclusion:
"Woe To The Men On Earth Who Dwell" by Charles Wesley is a profound hymn that confronts the reality of God's judgment and calls sinners to repentance. Its timeless message resonates with believers, reminding them of the urgency to live holy lives and share the hope of salvation with others. Let this hymn serve as a reminder to continually seek God's forgiveness and share His love with those around us. May it inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith and live in anticipation of Christ's return and the ultimate fulfillment of God's judgment and redemption.
