The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - He Reigns Forever Lyrics
Lyrics
tenors:sing praises to the king
for he is the king of kings
sing praises to the king
for he's the king of kings
(repeat)
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
sopranos:sing praises to the king
for he is the king of kings
sing praises to the king
for he's the king of kings
(repeat)
give him glory, for he's the king of kings (harmony)
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
give him glory, for he's the king of kings
all:all hail king jesus
all hail emmanuel
all hail king jesus
all hail emmanuel
he reigns forever
he reigns forever
he reigns forever
and ever more
(repeat as directed)
sopranos:he reigns
altos:he reigns
tenors:he reigns
(repeat as directed)
all: he reigns forever
he reigns forever
he reigns forever
and ever more
(repeat as directed)
all hail king jesus
Video
He Reigns Forever
Meaning & Inspiration
"He Reigns Forever" by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, released on December 7, 2017, stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's eternal sovereignty, a cornerstone message central to the Christian faith. This song is not merely a composition but a communal act of worship, designed to elevate the name of Jesus and affirm His supreme authority. At its core, the piece serves as a profound meditation on the kingship of God, drawing its profound resonance from the unchanging truths found within Scripture.
The lyrical journey of "He Reigns Forever" unfolds with a clear, escalating progression, beginning with the foundational command to "sing praises to the King, for He is the King of kings." This opening line immediately grounds the song in numerous Biblical passages that acclaim God's royal status. From Psalm 47:7, which states, "For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm," to Revelation 19:16, where Christ is explicitly identified as "King of kings and Lord of lords," the lyrics echo a deep reverence for divine majesty. The subsequent call to "give Him glory" further reinforces this theme, aligning with passages like Psalm 29:2, "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness." This early repetition builds a sense of unwavering conviction, preparing the collective voice for a grander affirmation.
As the song progresses, it culminates in the triumphant declaration, "All hail King Jesus, all hail Emmanuel." This profound moment directly references the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, later fulfilled in Matthew 1:23, where Emmanuel means "God with us." By acknowledging Jesus as both King and Emmanuel, the song powerfully underscores His dual nature as sovereign ruler and intimate presence. It speaks to His authority over all creation, reminiscent of Philippians 2:9-11, where "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord." The ultimate proclamation, "He reigns forever and ever more," encapsulates the timeless nature of God's dominion. This truth resonates with Daniel 7:14, which describes an "everlasting dominion that will not pass away," and Revelation 11:15, declaring, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever." The layering of voices, from sopranos to altos to tenors, each affirming "He reigns," beautifully illustrates the universal and unbroken nature of this eternal truth.
Beyond its theological precision, "He Reigns Forever" serves as a spiritual anchor, inviting believers to engage with the reality of Christ's unfailing rule. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir's characteristic sound, rich with multi-layered harmonies and powerful dynamics, amplifies the song’s core message without overshadowing the words themselves. It encourages a collective surrender to divine authority, fostering an atmosphere where hearts are lifted in adoration and trust. This composition is more than just music; it is an act of faith, a corporate confession that Jesus Christ is indeed the eternal King, whose dominion knows no end. It instills hope and confidence, reminding us that no matter the circumstances, He is on the throne, reigning sovereignly over all things, forever and ever more.