Donnie Sumner - The Ninety and Nine Lyrics
Lyrics
There were ninety and nine that safely lay
In the shelter of the fold.
But one was out on the hills away,
Far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains wild and bare.
Away from the tender Shepherd's care.
Away from the tender Shepherd's care.
"Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;
Are they not enough for Thee?"
But the Shepherd made answer: "This sheep of Mine
Has wandered far from Me;
And although the hills may be rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep."
But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed;
Nor how dark was the night that the Lord passed through
Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry,
Sick and helpless and ready to die;
Sick and helpless and ready to die.
And all through the mountains, thunder riven
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of Heaven,
"Rejoice! I have found My sheep!"
And the angels echoed around the throne,
"Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!
For the Lord brings back His own!"
Video
Bill & Gloria Gaither - The Ninety and Nine [Live] ft. Donnie Sumner, The Talley Trio
Meaning & Inspiration
Donnie Sumner's rendition of "The Ninety and Nine," released on the album *Good News* in January of 2000, stands as a profound musical testament to a timeless parable, resonating deeply with its powerful message of redemption and divine love. This song doesn't just retell the familiar story of the shepherd seeking the lost sheep; it embodies the very heart of God's relentless pursuit of His wandering children. The narrative artfully paints a picture of the ninety-nine sheep safely nestled in the fold, content and secure, a stark contrast to the single sheep that has strayed onto the desolate, wild mountains, far from the shepherd's tender care. This initial imagery immediately evokes a sense of the vastness of God's flock and the immense value He places on each individual soul, no matter how far they may have drifted. The lyrics beautifully articulate the shepherd's immediate and unwavering decision to leave the safety of the ninety-nine – not out of negligence for those already home, but out of an unyielding commitment to the one who is lost. This echoes the sentiment found in Luke 15:4, which states, "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after that which is lost, until he finds it?" Sumner’s performance imbues this resolve with a palpable sincerity, allowing listeners to grasp the profound depth of the shepherd's dedication.
The song then delves into the sacrifice involved in this rescue mission. It highlights that the ransomed sheep never truly comprehend the arduous journey the shepherd undertook – the dark nights, the treacherous waters crossed, and the perilous terrain navigated. This emphasis on the unseen trials and tribulations faced by the rescuer speaks volumes about the depth of Christ's sacrifice for humanity. When the lost sheep is found, weak and near death, its cry is heard by the shepherd in the desolate wilderness, a powerful depiction of God's omnipresent love that reaches even the most abandoned and hopeless situations. This is powerfully aligned with the prophet Isaiah's assurance in Isaiah 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." Sumner's delivery captures the raw vulnerability of the lost creature and the overwhelming relief of its discovery. The song culminates in a glorious celebration in Heaven, with angels rejoicing as the shepherd brings his lost sheep back into the fold. This triumphant finale, echoing the pronouncements of "Rejoice! For the Lord brings back His own!" directly mirrors the joy described in Luke 15:7: "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." "The Ninety and Nine" is more than just a song; it is an invitation to meditate on the boundless, persistent, and triumphant love of God, a love that tirelessly seeks us, rejoices over our return, and ultimately brings us home.