Give to Our God Immortal Praise exalts God’s eternal nature, His mercy and truth, and His power to save through Jesus Christ. The song emphasizes God’s role as Creator, His enduring grace, and His sovereign reign over all. It invites believers to worship Him for His wonders of grace, guiding them toward faith and eternal hope.
VERSE 1
Give to our God immortal praise;
Mercy and truth are all His ways;
Wonders of grace to God belong,
Repeat His mercies in your song.
VERSE 2
Give to the LORD of lords renown,
The King of kings with glory crown;
His mercies ever shall endure,
When lords and kings are known no more.
VERSE 3
He built the earth, He spread the sky,
And fixed the starry lights on high;
Wonders of grace to God belong,
Repeat His mercies in your song.
VERSE 4
He fills the sun with morning light,
He bids the moon direct the night;
His mercies ever shall endure,
When suns and moons shall shine no more.
VERSE 5
The Jews He freed from Pharaoh’s hand
And brought them to the promised land;
Wonders of grace to God belong,
Repeat His mercies in your song.
VERSE 6
He saw the Gentiles dead in sin
And felt His pity move within;
His mercies ever shall endure,
When death and sin shall reign no more.
VERSE 7
He sent His Son with power to save
From guilt, and darkness, and the grave;
wonders of grace to God belong,
repeat His mercies in your song.
VERSE 8
Through this vain world He guides our feet
And leads us to His heavenly seat;
His mercies ever shall endure,
When this vain world shall be no more.
Story Behind the Hymn
Isaac Watts, often hailed as the “Father of English Hymnody,” authored “Give to Our God Immortal Praise” as a paraphrase of Psalm 136. This psalm is notable for its repeated refrain, “His love endures forever,” which Watts adapted into rhyming couplets. [1]
Watts’s intent was to infuse Christian themes into the psalms, making them resonate more deeply with New Testament teachings. In this hymn, he emphasizes God’s enduring mercy and truth, reflecting the steadfast love celebrated in Psalm 136. [2]
The hymn has been paired with various tunes over time. One notable setting is the tune DUNEDIN, composed by Vernon Griffiths in 1935. Griffiths, originally from England, moved to New Zealand in 1927 and became influential in music education there. He composed DUNEDIN for unison singing at the King Edward Technical College in Dunedin, New Zealand, where it was used extensively. [3]
Through Watts’s lyrical adaptation and Griffiths’s musical composition, “Give to Our God Immortal Praise” has become a cherished hymn, inviting worshippers to reflect on God’s eternal mercy and truth.
The Eternal God and His Unchanging Nature
“Give to our God immortal praise” emphasizes God’s eternal nature and worthiness of worship. Psalm 90:2 declares, “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” The song invites believers to glorify God, recognizing His unchanging and supreme nature.
“Mercy and truth are all His ways” highlights God’s faithfulness and love. Psalm 25:10 states, “All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.” This phrase reassures believers that God’s actions are always just and merciful.
“He built the earth, He spread the sky” affirms God as the Creator. Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The song points to His sovereignty over creation, inspiring awe and gratitude.
“He sent His Son with pow’r to save” proclaims the heart of the gospel. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This lyric affirms Christ’s mission to redeem humanity from sin and death.
The song is theologically rich, focusing on God’s mercy, creation, salvation, and eternal reign. It aligns with Scripture, making it a biblically sound hymn of praise.
Relevant Bible Verses about Give to Our God Immortal Praise Hymn
“Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Psalm 90:2 NASB
“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to those who comply with His covenant and His testimonies.” Psalm 25:10 NASB
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 NASB
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NASB
Give to Our God Immortal Praise lyrics and music by Isaac Watts, (1719) Public Domain