Don Moen - Holy Holy Holy Lyrics
Lyrics
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! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
perfect in power, in love and purity.
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.
Video
Revelation Song (Live) - Worship Again with Don Moen
Meaning & Inspiration
Don Moen's rendition of "Holy Holy Holy," released on January 1, 2010, as part of his album "God For Us," breathes fresh, contemporary life into one of Christianity’s most cherished hymns. This particular song is not merely a cover; it is a profound re-imagining that maintains the reverence and theological depth of the original while allowing modern congregations to connect with its eternal truths. Its release underscores a commitment to timeless worship, presenting an iconic declaration of God's nature to a new generation.
The narrative behind "Holy Holy Holy" originates from Reginald Heber's poetic genius in the early 19th century, later set to music by John B. Dykes. Heber's inspiration stemmed from Revelation 4:8, envisioning the ceaseless worship around God’s throne. Don Moen’s contribution is in delivering this foundational text with an arrangement that facilitates a personal encounter with its message. The core meaning remains an unadulterated adoration of God's supreme holiness, power, and mercy, presenting the multifaceted nature of the Divine in a way that is both majestic and accessible.
The opening stanza, "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!" immediately establishes the song’s theological cornerstone. The triple repetition of "Holy" echoes the seraphim’s cry in Isaiah 6:3 and the elders' unending praise in Revelation 4:8, emphasizing God’s absolute purity, moral perfection, and separateness from all creation. The commitment to worship "early in the morning" reflects a spiritual discipline of prioritizing God, as seen in Psalm 5:3, which states, "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you and watch." The reference to the "God in three persons, blessed Trinity" is a succinct affirmation of the Trinitarian doctrine, central to Christian belief, as Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). This stanza beautifully encapsulates both an act of worship and a creedal statement.
Moving into the second stanza, "Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see, only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, perfect in power, in love and purity," the song delves into the paradox of God's immanence and transcendence. It acknowledges that human sinfulness obstructs our full apprehension of divine glory, a truth reflected in Isaiah 59:2, "your iniquities have separated you from your God." Yet, despite humanity's limitations, God’s unique and singular holiness remains undiminished. The declaration "only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee" aligns with God’s own statement in Isaiah 45:5, "I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God." This reinforces His unparalleled perfection in "power, in love and purity," attributes profoundly described throughout Scripture, from God’s omnipotence in Psalm 62:11 to His steadfast love in 1 John 4:8 and His blameless character in Psalm 18:30.
The concluding stanza, "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," expands the scope of praise beyond humanity to encompass all creation. It proclaims a cosmic worship, affirming that God’s handiwork universally declares His glory, a concept vibrantly painted in Psalm 19:1-4: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." This stanza reiterates the foundational themes of divine holiness, omnipotence, and the Trinity, powerfully unifying the song’s theological assertions. It’s a compelling vision of universal devotion, where every part of creation, from the smallest organism to the grandest celestial body, points to the Creator's majesty.
Don Moen’s treatment of "Holy Holy Holy" serves as a masterclass in preserving the gravitas of sacred texts while allowing them to resonate afresh. His interpretation highlights the enduring relevance of proclaiming God’s holiness and the Trinitarian nature of the divine. This version encourages a profound sense of awe and devotion, reminding believers of the unchanging character of God and inviting them into a deeper relationship with Him. The song stands as a powerful testament to the enduring truth of God’s glory, inspiring individuals to join the eternal chorus of worship that rises to the Lord God Almighty.