Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken celebrates Zion, the city of God, highlighting its firm foundation on the Rock of Ages, the abundant provision of living waters, and the divine guidance symbolized by the cloud and fire. The hymn reflects on the steadfastness, sustenance, and protection that God provides to His people.
VERSE 1
Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God.
He whose Word cannot be broken
formed thee for His own abode.
On the Rock of Ages founded,
what can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded,
thou may’st smile at all thy foes.
VERSE 2
See, the streams of living waters,
springing from eternal love,
well supply thy sons and daughters
and all fear of want remove.
Who can faint while such a river
ever flows their thirst to assuage?
Grace, which like the Lord, the Giver,
never fails from age to age.
VERSE 3
‘Round each habitation hovering,
see the cloud and fire appear
for a glory and a covering,
showing that the Lord is near.
Thus deriving from their banner
light by night and shade by day,
safe they feed upon the manna
which He gives them on their way.
VERSE 4
Savior, since of Zion’s city
I through grace a member am,
let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in Thy name.
Fading is the worldling’s pleasures,
all his boasted pomp and show;
solid joys and lasting treasures
none but Zion’s children know.
Story Behind the Hymn
John Newton, renowned for “Amazing Grace,” penned “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” in 1779. This hymn was part of the Olney Hymns collection, a collaboration with poet William Cowper, aiming to provide heartfelt hymns for public worship. [1]
The hymn draws inspiration from Psalm 87:3, which celebrates Zion as the city of God. [2] Newton’s lyrics metaphorically depict the church’s beauty and strength, reflecting his deep theological insights. [3]
Initially, the hymn was set to various tunes, but it found a lasting match with Franz Joseph Haydn’s melody, composed in 1797. This tune, known as “Austria,” was originally crafted as a national anthem for Austria. [4] The pairing of Newton’s profound lyrics with Haydn’s majestic composition has cemented the hymn’s place in Christian worship.
Over the centuries, “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” has been embraced across denominations, symbolizing the enduring nature of God’s promises to His people.
The Unshakeable Foundation of God’s City
“Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God” refers to Psalm 87:3, where Zion is celebrated as God’s chosen city. This signifies the church as God’s dwelling place, emphasizing His unbreakable promise to be with His people. “On the Rock of Ages founded, what can shake thy sure repose?” portrays the church’s foundation on Christ, the eternal rock (Isaiah 26:4), ensuring stability and peace amidst challenges. “With salvation’s walls surrounded, thou may’st smile at all thy foes” illustrates the protective nature of God’s salvation, allowing believers to face adversaries with confidence (Isaiah 26:1).
“See, the streams of living waters, springing from eternal love” symbolizes the life-giving sustenance from God, reminiscent of Jesus’ promise of living water to believers (John 4:14). This eternal grace removes fear of lack, reinforcing trust in God’s provision. “Grace, which like the Lord, the Giver, never fails from age to age” highlights the perpetual and unfailing nature of God’s grace, reflecting His unchanging character (Hebrews 13:8).
“‘Round each habitation hovering, see the cloud and fire appear” alludes to God’s guidance of Israel through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21), symbolizing His continual presence and guidance for believers. “Safe they feed upon the manna which He gives them on their way” recalls God’s provision of manna to the Israelites (Exodus 16:15), representing His ongoing sustenance for His people.
“Savior, since of Zion’s city I through grace a member am” acknowledges that inclusion in God’s people is a result of grace, not personal merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). “Let the world deride or pity, I will glory in Thy name” encourages believers to find their identity and pride in Christ, regardless of worldly opinions (1 Peter 4:14). “Solid joys and lasting treasures none but Zion’s children know” contrasts the fleeting pleasures of the world with the enduring blessings experienced by God’s children (Matthew 6:19-20).
The hymn exhibits profound theological depth, exploring themes of divine protection, provision, guidance, and grace. It employs rich biblical imagery to depict the church’s secure foundation in Christ and the enduring nature of God’s promises. The lyrics align consistently with biblical teachings, offering a scripturally sound portrayal of the believer’s relationship with God. There are no elements within the hymn that contradict Scripture; instead, it reinforces biblical truths through its vivid language and metaphors.
Relevant Bible Verses about Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken Hymn
“Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Selah.” Psalm 87:3 NASB
“Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. The one who believes in it will not be disturbed.'” Isaiah 28:16 NASB
“There is a river whose streams make the city of God happy, The holy dwelling places of the Most High.” Psalm 46:4 NASB
“Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.'” John 4:13-14 NASB
“The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night.” Exodus 13:21 NASB
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken lyrics and music by John Newton (1779), Public Domain