Come, We That Love the Lord is a hymn that calls believers to unite in joyful worship, emphasizing love for God, unity among the faithful, and the identity of Christians as children of the heavenly King.
VERSE 1
Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.
VERSE 2
Let those refuse to sing
Who never knew our God;
But children of the heavenly King
May speak their joys abroad.
VERSE 3
The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
or walk the golden streets.
VERSE 4
Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We’re marching through Emmanuel’s ground
To fairer worlds on high.
Story Behind the Hymn
Isaac Watts, often referred to as the “Father of English Hymnody,” composed “Come, We That Love the Lord” in 1707. This hymn first appeared in his collection Hymns and Spiritual Songs, specifically in Book II, under the title “Heavenly Joy on Earth,” and originally consisted of ten four-line stanzas. [1]
The hymn invites believers to unite in joyful worship, reflecting Watts’s desire to invigorate congregational singing with heartfelt expression. John Wesley later adapted the hymn for his Psalms and Hymns collection, published in 1737 during his time in America, modifying its structure to eight-line stanzas and omitting certain verses. [2]
In 1867, Baptist minister and composer Robert Lowry composed a new tune, “Marching to Zion,” which became closely associated with Watts’s hymn. This pairing added a spirited and processional feel, enhancing the hymn’s popularity in worship settings. [3]
Over the centuries, “Come, We That Love the Lord” has remained a cherished hymn, encouraging congregations to celebrate their faith collectively and anticipate the joy of eternal communion with God.
Loving God with All Our Being
“Come, we that love the Lord” expresses a call to joyful worship, uniting believers in praise. Loving the Lord is a fundamental command in Scripture, as seen in Matthew 22:37 (NASB): “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” Worship is a natural response to love for God, aligning with Psalm 100:2, which says, “Serve the Lord with jubilation; come before Him with rejoicing.”
“Join in a song with sweet accord” highlights unity in worship. Believers are encouraged to worship with one heart and mind, reflecting Romans 15:6: “So that with one purpose and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Worship is not just individual but a collective expression of faith.
“Children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad” affirms the believer’s identity in Christ. John 1:12 states, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” This verse reinforces the song’s call to proclaim joy in the Lord.
The song’s theological depth is strong, emphasizing worship, unity, and the believer’s heavenly hope. No elements contradict Scripture.
Relevant Bible Verses about Come We That Love the Lord Hymn
“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'” Matthew 22:37 NASB
“Serve the Lord with jubilation; come before Him with rejoicing.” Psalm 100:2 NASB
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 NASB
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 NASB
Come We That Love the Lord lyrics and music by Isaac Watts (1707), Public Domain