Lyrics
Verse 1
When the priests came forth from the Holy Place
In fine linens they were clothed that day
With instruments and voices, with all their voices raised
They cried
Chorus
Holy is the Lord most high
For His love is everlasting
Holy is the Lord, most high
For His love endures forever
Verse 2
Oh, Lord we Your church will sing Your praises
Lift our voice to You as one
And Lord, Jesus we'll forever praise You
Yes, we'll sing to you as one!
And we cry
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
"Holy Is the Lord Most High" opens by recalling a specific biblical scene, priests emerging from the Holy Place clothed in fine linen with instruments and voices raised together. That detailed historical image grounds the song's praise in a remembered, specific act of temple worship rather than an abstract idea of holiness.
Its chorus borrows a well-known refrain nearly word for word, naming the Lord holy and His love everlasting, repeating that same declaration as the direct response the ancient priests themselves cried out. A second verse moves from that ancient scene to the present church, asking to sing with the same unified voice described in the opening verse.
Rooted in contemporary worship's liturgical, scripturally grounded style, the song functions as a bridge between ancient temple worship and present congregational praise, its closing lines uniting both eras in the same repeated cry, holy is the Lord, sung together as one voice across time.
Related Scripture
- 2 Chronicles 5:12-13 Describes priests clothed in fine linen with instruments crying that the Lord's love endures forever, directly echoed in the song's opening verse and chorus.
- Psalm 136:1 Declares that the Lord is good and his love endures forever, directly echoed in the song's repeated chorus.