Rachel Larson - On The Banks Of Promise Lands Lyrics
Lyrics
I have built my life on the solid Rock
Far away from the sinking sand
And I cast my eyes to the home that waits
On the banks of the Promised Land
There's a song of praise that is lifted there
By the saints and the angel band
And I long to go and to join the choir
On the banks of the Promised Land
Hallelujah, what a morning
When I reach for that nail-scarred hand
And I'm led from grace to glory
On the banks of the Promised Land
Every grief and pain that has found me here
Jesus knows, and He understands
They'll be washed away as I cross death's stream
To the banks of the Promised Land
Hallelujah, what a morning
When I reach for that nail-scarred hand
And I'm led from grace to glory
On the banks of the Promised Land
Then I'll see the face of my Savior dear
Beckoned close by His sweet command
All my burdens gone; I will rest at last
On the banks of the Promised Land
Hallelujah, what a morning
When I reach for that nail-scarred hand
And I'm led from grace to glory
On the banks of the Promised Land
Oh, who will come and go with me?
I am bound for the promised land
Video
On the Banks of the Promised Land -Rachel Larson
Meaning & Inspiration
Rachel Larson’s "On The Banks Of Promise Lands," released on March 22, 2017, immediately immerses us in a profound journey of faith, articulating the unwavering hope central to the Christian experience. The song’s narrative is built upon the foundational truth of finding security in Christ, drawing from the wisdom found in Matthew 7, which contrasts building one’s life on the solid rock of His teachings with the peril of unstable ground. From this secure footing, the gaze is cast forward to a heavenly destination, described as the "Promised Land"—an echo of the biblical land given to Israel, now spiritually understood as the eternal home awaiting believers, as referenced in Hebrews 11 where Abraham looked for a city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
The heart of the song unveils a vibrant vision of eternity, painting a picture of profound worship where "saints and the angel band" unite in a chorus of praise. This imagery aligns perfectly with the celestial worship scenes depicted in Revelation, where countless voices lift adoration to the Lamb. The longing expressed to "join the choir" is a deeply resonant aspiration for those whose faith anchors them to this future glory. The repeated chorus, "Hallelujah, what a morning / When I reach for that nail-scarred hand / And I'm led from grace to glory / On the banks of the Promised Land," serves as the emotional and theological anchor. The "nail-scarred hand" is a powerful, poignant reference to Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, confirming His identity as the one who suffered for humanity’s redemption, as evident in John 20 where Thomas is invited to touch His wounds. This moment signifies not just an encounter, but an intimate union with the Savior, a journey from the earthly grace experienced now to the full manifestation of glory that awaits, a transition beautifully articulated in 2 Corinthians 3:18, speaking of being transformed from glory to glory.
Larson’s lyrics also tenderly address the present-day struggles that define the human condition. The acknowledgment that "Every grief and pain that has found me here / Jesus knows, and He understands" offers immense comfort, directly reflecting Hebrews 4:15, which assures us that Christ empathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin. This understanding is the bridge connecting our temporal suffering to eternal solace. The assurance that these pains "They'll be washed away as I cross death's stream" directly channels the promise in Revelation 21:4 that God will wipe away every tear, and there shall be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. The ultimate reward is to "see the face of my Savior dear," fulfilling the promise in 1 John 3:2 that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. With burdens gone and rest found at last, the song culminates in an invitation: "Oh, who will come and go with me? I am bound for the promised land." This final plea transcends a mere personal hope, transforming into an earnest, evangelistic call, urging others to embrace the same redemptive journey and share in the unparalleled peace and joy found on the eternal shores. The song, in its entirety, serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that our present trials are temporary, and a magnificent, divinely promised future awaits, calling us to persevere with joyful expectation.