Sandra McCracken - From The Rising of The Sun Lyrics
Lyrics
Hallelujah, give praise, you servants
Praise the name of the LORD
Let the name of the LORD be blessed
from now and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun, to it's going down
Let the name of the LORD be praised, from the rising of the sun.
The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens,
Who is like the LORD our God? Who sits enthroned on high?
Who is like the LORD our God? Who stoops to behold,
The heavens and the earth?
From the rising of the sun, to it's going down
Let the name of the LORD be praised, from the rising of the sun.
Video
From the Rising of the Sun (Psalm 113)
Meaning & Inspiration
Sandra McCracken’s "From The Rising of The Sun," released on April 15, 2015, stands as a profound musical meditation on divine majesty and humble grace. This isn't merely a song; it is a meticulously crafted embrace of ancient Scripture, drawing its very essence from Psalm 113. McCracken, known for her ability to set sacred texts to accessible melodies, here presents a work that feels both timeless and urgently relevant, inviting all who encounter it into a posture of continuous praise. The true power of this piece lies in its unadorned dedication to conveying the heart of this venerable psalm, making its theological depths approachable and its call to worship undeniably clear.
The story behind this song is as old as the psalm itself. Psalm 113 is one of the six Hallel Psalms (113-118), traditionally recited by Jewish people during Passover and other major festivals. These psalms are songs of thanksgiving and exultation, celebrating God's deliverance and His unique character. To sing Psalm 113 is to join a chorus that has echoed through millennia, a testament to God's unchanging nature and His enduring faithfulness. McCracken's rendition taps into this rich heritage, reminding us that the praise of God transcends cultural and chronological boundaries. It’s a prayer-song that acknowledges God’s supreme reign while simultaneously marveling at His attentiveness to humanity, framing our understanding of divine worship within a sweeping, eternal narrative.
The song opens with a direct, resounding call to worship, urging all "servants" to bless the name of the Lord "from now and forevermore." This is not a suggestion but an imperative, rooted in a divine expectation for recognition and adoration. It echoes verses like Daniel 2:20, where the name of God is blessed for all eternity, and Psalm 145:21, proclaiming that "all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever." McCracken’s vocal delivery, while not the primary focus of this analysis, subtly conveys this solemn yet joyful summons, setting the stage for the profound truths that follow. It reminds us that praise is not an occasional activity but a continuous state of being, an inherent duty and delight for those who belong to Him.
The central theme, powerfully expressed in the song's title, proclaims that "from the rising of the sun, to its going down, let the name of the Lord be praised." This phrase embodies a universal and ceaseless adoration, stretching across every hour of every day and spanning every corner of the earth. It brings to mind Malachi 1:11, where God declares, "from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations." This isn't confined to a church building or a particular ritual; it is a declaration that God’s glory is to be recognized and celebrated everywhere, all the time. Just as the heavens declare God’s glory daily (Psalm 19:1-6), so too should human hearts. This continuous praise fosters a daily awareness of God’s presence, transforming mundane moments into opportunities for reverence and joy.
The song then shifts to articulate the incomparable nature of God, posing rhetorical questions that underscore His unique majesty: "Who is like the LORD our God? Who sits enthroned on high?" This segment captures the transcendence of God, who is "high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens." His sovereignty is absolute, his authority undisputed, echoing the grand proclamations in Isaiah 40:25, "To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One." There is no deity, no power, no earthly ruler that can stand in comparison to the Lord our God. He inhabits eternity, His majesty so profound that it surpasses all earthly and celestial grandeur. This acknowledgment of His elevated position naturally inspires awe and humility within us.
Yet, immediately following this declaration of supreme transcendence, the psalm—and McCracken’s song—introduces a breathtaking paradox: "Who stoops to behold, The heavens and the earth?" This is the glorious counterpoint to His high enthronement. The very God who is so immeasurably exalted is also the One who condescends, who bends down to look upon His creation. This evokes the tender and attentive nature of God, who, despite His infinite greatness, cares intimately for humanity and the world He fashioned. Psalm 8:3-4 powerfully asks, "When I consider your heavens… what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?" This profound condescension culminates in the person of Jesus Christ, who, though "in the form of God... made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:6-7). This truth—that the infinite God draws near to finite beings—is the bedrock of our hope and the deepest wellspring of our praise.
Ultimately, "From The Rising of The Sun" serves as a powerful reminder that our God is both infinitely majestic and intimately involved. He is enthroned in glory, yet He stoops to meet us in our humanity. This dual reality fuels a comprehensive worship that is both reverent and deeply personal. The song encourages a consistent posture of praise, not just out of duty, but out of a profound understanding of who God is: boundless in power and boundless in love. It calls us to live lives that continuously declare His greatness, from the first light of dawn until the setting of the sun, instilling a sense of purpose and wonder that sustains us through every moment.