197. The Trees of the Field

Text Information
First Line: You shall go out with joy
Title: The Trees of the Field
Paraphraser: Steffi G. Rubin (1975)
Meter: irregular
Language: English
Publication Date: 1987
Scripture: ;
Topic: Deliverance; Songs for Children: Bible Songs; Joy (2 more...)
Copyright: Text and music © 1975, Lillenas Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
ONE LICENSE: 34522
Tune Information
Name: TREES OF THE FIELD
Composer: Stuart Dauermann (1975)
Meter: irregular
Key: e minor
Copyright: Text and music © 1975, Lillenas Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Used by permission.


Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. = Isa. 55:12

Paraphrasing only verse 12 from Isaiah 55–a chapter rich with invitation, comfort, and wisdom–Steffi G. Rubin (b. The Bronx, NY, 1950) wrote “The Trees of the Field” in 1975. Verse 12 refers to the "going out" from Babylon, the Israelites' return from exile. More generally, and certainly as seen through New Testament eyes, the passage sings of the joy resulting from God's salvation, a joy so far-reaching that even the "trees of the field will clap their hands," and fruitful trees and bushes will grow instead of thorns and briers.

Rubin has written many songs, a number of which have been published and recorded by Jews for Jesus and its performance ensemble, the Liberated Wailing Wall. She received a B.A. degree in English from Simpson College in San Francisco, California. At one time an artist and creative director for Jews for Jesus, she has been self-employed in the graphic arts field since 1980. Rubin is also a music leader at Emmanuel Messianic Congregation and is active in Remnant, a group that sings Messianic music.

In 1985 Bert Polman (PHH 37) prepared an additional stanza based on Isaiah 55:13 to point out that the rejoicing is a testimony to the saving acts of God. This additional stanza was rejected by the copyright owners for the Psalter Hymnal, but was accepted later for publication in Songs for LiFE (1994):

The fir and cypress trees will grow instead of thorns;
the myrtle will replace the briers and nettles:
this will be a sign, a sign of God's mighty name,
that will not be destroyed. Refrain

Liturgical Use:
Festive, highly celebrative, and joyful occasions.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

The song's popularity is no doubt due to the Jewish-style music by Stuart Dauermann (b. Brooklyn, NY, 1944). Both text and tune were written for the Liberated Wailing Wall, the touring singing group of Jews for Jesus. It was first published in Scriptures to Sing (Lillenas, 1975). The infectious tune with its syncopations and hand clapping makes it a winner among contemporary Scripture choruses. Sing "The Trees of the Field" in unison at a good tempo on a half-note pulse. Use stringed instruments (guitars, violins), tambourines, hand clapping, and even some foot stomping! It may well be sung more than once, perhaps the second time (or with the additional stanza above) at a slightly faster tempo.

Dauermann was a senior staff missionary and music director of Jews for Jesus from 1973-1989; he also directed the Liberated Wailing Wall for five years. Educated in music theory (BA) and music education (M.M.) at the Manhattan School of Music, he also completed a master's degree in missiology at Fuller Theological Seminary in 1992. His songs appear on ten different record albums and have been published in various songbooks by Lillenas Publishing and Jews for Jesus. Dauermann currently serves on the staff of the A Havat Zion Messianic Synagogue, Beverly Hills, California.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook


Media
MIDI file: MIDI Preview
(Faith Alive Christian Resources)
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

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