Songs from Isaiah

In his book Isaiah, Prince of Old Testament Prophets, B. A. Copass included an appendix on "Familiar Songs Based Wholly or in Part on the Teachings of Isaiah." (a few of them aren't that familiar to me). They are:

• A Rock in a Weary Land
• As Doves to the Windows
• Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken
• Have Thine Own Way, Lord
• Holy, Holy, Holy
• How Firm a Foundation
• No Hiding Place
• O Far-Off Land
• Rock of Ages
• Sweet is the Promise, I will not Forget Thee
• The Battle Hymn of the Republic
• Watchman, Tell Us of the Night
• When Peace Like a River

In addition, he mentioned passages from Handel's Messiah.

In conclusion he wrote, "The above list could be extended greatly. Try it."

Thought some of you might mind it an interesting challenge to name Christian songs based "wholly or in part on the teachings of Isaiah."

 

Is it this song?

P. P. Bliss's "Man of sorrows, what a name" could be added, since it has some basis in Isaiah 53.

 

Thanks, Rob. We're studying Isaiah right now, and that one reason I purchased Copass's book. Your post made me think of another "Beulah Land" song.

Is Not This the Land of Beulah?, Isaiah 62:4 - (attributed to) William Hunter

Look, ye saints; the sight is glorious, Isaiah 53:3,11 - Thomas Kelly

Not so well known, but a popular Christian Harmony tune uses a chorus based on Isaiah 55:1

Come Ye to the Waters, Isaiah 55:1 - Author Unknown

[P.S. since you are studying Isaiah, might you offer some comments on Isaiah 7:14-16 in the Baptist Theology forum? Thanks.]

 

I think Isaac Watts' long poem Go, worship at Immanuel's feet could be included too, since the Immanuel reference is from Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 8:8. Don't think it has achieved much popularity, but it has appeared in a number of hymn books over the years.

One of my favorite songs, How Firm a Foundation, has the most association with Isaiah to me.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness...For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 43:10,13

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2

Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. Isaiah 46:4

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.

This last stanza may be related to Isaiah 49:13-16 and other passages about God remembering, not forgetting:

Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

 

Thanks.