When God Brought Zion's Remnant Band

When God brought Zion's remnant band

Versifier: Calvin Seerveld (1985)
Tune: MAG ICH UNGLÜCK
Published in 1 hymnal

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: MIDI
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Versifier: Calvin Seerveld

Calvin Seerveld (b. 1930) was professor of aesthetics at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto from 1972 until he retired in 1995. Educated at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan; the University of Michigan; and the Free University of Amsterdam (Ph.D.), he also studied at Basel University in Switzerland, the University of Rome, and the University of Heidelberg. Seerveld began his career by teaching at Bellhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi (1958-1959), and at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois (1959-1972). A fine Christian scholar, fluent in various biblical and modern languages, he is published widely in aesthetics, biblical studies, and philosophy. His books include Take Hold of God and Pull (1966), The Gr… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: When God brought Zion's remnant band
Title: When God Brought Zion's Remnant Band
Versifier: Calvin Seerveld (1985)
Meter: 8.4.7.8.4.7.8.8.7
Language: English
Copyright: © Calvin Seerveld

Notes

Praise for God’s restoration from exile, and a prayer that God’s grace may continue until the people's joy is complete.

Scripture References:
st. l = vv. 1-3
st. 2 = vv. 4-6

Psalm 126 is another of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (120-134) the Israelites sang as they went up to worship at the temple in Jerusalem. Here Israel celebrates their restoration from exile, most likely the exile in Babylon. With joy so great that they felt as if they were dreaming, the people returned to Jerusalem full of laughter and praise for the great things God had done for them, evoking wonder even among unbelieving nations (st. 1). Having been so favored, the worshipers pray that God's acts of restoration may continue until those who "sow in tears" bring in a bountiful harvest with "songs of joy" (vv. 5-6)–in other words, until God makes their joy complete (st. 2). Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) paraphrased this psalm in 1985 for the Psalter Hymnal.

Liturgical Use:
Advent; Lent; expressions of eschatological hope and joy.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune

MAG ICH UNGLÜCK

Ludwig Senfl (b. Basil, Switzerland, c.1486; d. Munich, Germany, 1543) composed MAG ICH UNGLÜCK for his secular text "Mag mir Unglück nit widerstan." Senfl was a choir¬boy in the chapel choir of Emperor Maximilian I and therefore traveled with the emperor; after his voice broke, he may also have…

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Media

Psalter Hymnal (Gray) #126
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Psalter Hymnal (Gray) #126

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