When Britain first, at heaven's command,
Arose from out the azure main,
Arose, arose from out the azure main,
This was the charter, the charter of the land,
And Guardian Angels sang this strain:
Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves!
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves!
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
The nations not so blest as thee
Must, in their turn, to tyrants fall,
Must, in their turn, to tyrants fall,
While thou shalt flourish, shalt flourish great and free:
The dread and envy of them all.
Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves!
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves!
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
Rule Britannia Video
Rule Britannia Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Rule Britannia: A Patriotic Anthem
Introduction:
Rule Britannia is a well-known patriotic song that has become an anthem for the British Empire. It is often performed during events such as the Last Night of the Proms, where it evokes a sense of national pride and unity.
Key Messages of Rule Britannia:
"When Britain first, at heaven's command, Arose from out the azure main"
The opening lines of the song establish the idea that Britain's existence is divinely ordained. It suggests that the nation was created by God's command and emerged from the vastness of the ocean. This sentiment reflects the belief in the divine providence of nations, which is a recurring theme in the Bible.
"This was the charter, the charter of the land, And Guardian Angels sang this strain"
The next lines highlight the significance of a charter, which refers to a written document outlining the rights and privileges of a nation. Here, it symbolizes the foundation and principles upon which Britain is built. The mention of guardian angels singing implies divine protection and guidance, reinforcing the idea of God's involvement in the nation's destiny.
"Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves!
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves."
These lines serve as the chorus of the song and express the nation's desire for sovereignty and independence. It is a call for Britain to assert its dominance over the seas and ensure that its people will never be enslaved. This message resonates with the biblical concept of freedom and the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
"The nations not so blest as thee
Must, in their turn, to tyrants fall,
While thou shalt flourish, shalt flourish great and free:
The dread and envy of them all."
These lines emphasize Britain's exceptionalism and the belief that, compared to other nations, it is uniquely blessed. It suggests that while other nations may succumb to tyrants and oppressive regimes, Britain will continue to prosper and be the envy of the world. This sentiment reflects the biblical notion of God's favor and blessings on nations that follow His commandments.
Meaning of the Song and Inspiration:
Rule Britannia was written by James Thomson in 1740 as part of a masque called Alfred. The masque was composed by Thomas Arne to commemorate the accession of King George II and to celebrate Britain's naval power and imperial ambitions. The lyrics of Rule Britannia were intended to inspire patriotism and national pride among the British people.
The song's central message is one of national identity, strength, and freedom. It celebrates Britain's naval prowess and its historical role as a global superpower. The lyrics evoke a sense of pride in the nation's achievements and a desire to maintain its dominance.
Critically Analyzing the Song from a Biblical Perspective:
While Rule Britannia is a stirring anthem that evokes national pride, it is important to critically analyze its alignment with biblical principles. As Christians, our ultimate allegiance should be to God and His kingdom rather than any earthly nation.
1. Divine Providence: The notion that Britain's existence is divinely ordained aligns with the biblical understanding that God is sovereign over the nations. However, it is important to remember that God's providence extends to all nations, not just one. As Christians, we should acknowledge that God's plan encompasses the entire world and not just a single nation.
2. Freedom and Dignity: The desire for freedom and the rejection of slavery expressed in the song resonate with biblical principles. The Bible teaches that all individuals are created in the image of God and possess inherent worth and dignity. It is important to recognize that true freedom comes from a relationship with God and obedience to His commandments, rather than from nationalistic aspirations.
3. National Exceptionalism: The idea that Britain is uniquely blessed and destined for greatness may promote a sense of national pride but can also lead to arrogance and a disregard for other nations. The Bible teaches humility and the importance of treating all nations with respect and love, regardless of their political or cultural differences.
Conclusion:
Rule Britannia is a patriotic anthem that celebrates Britain's naval power, national identity, and desire for freedom. While it evokes a sense of national pride, it is important to critically analyze its alignment with biblical principles. As Christians, our allegiance should be to God and His kingdom above any earthly nation. While celebrating the achievements of our nations, we should strive to promote humility, love, and respect for all people, recognizing that God's plan extends beyond any single nation.
