He was born in Scotland along the banks of the River Clyde. His father was a deacon, and his grandfather was a priest. When Patrick was about 16, raiders descended on his little town and torched his home. When one of the pirates spotted him in the bushes, he was seized, hauled aboard ship, and taken to Ireland as a slave. It was there he gave his life to the Lord Jesus.
He later wrote, “The Lord opened my mind to an awareness of my unbelief, in order that I might remember my transgressions and turn with all my heart to the Lord, my God."
Patrick eventually escaped and returned home. His family was overjoyed and begged him to never leave again. But one night, in a dream reminiscent of Paul’s vision of the Macedonian Man in Acts 16, Patrick saw an Irishman pleading with him to come evangelize Ireland.
It wasn’t an easy decision, but Patrick, about 30, returned to his former captors with only one book, in his hand, the Latin Bible. Multitudes came to listen as he spread the gospel throughout the country. The superstitious Druids opposed him and sought his death. But his preaching was powerful, and Patrick became one of the most faithful evangelists of all time, planting about 200 churches and baptizing 100,000 converts.
On Easter Sunday in 433, the local Irish king issued a decree in observation of a pagan Druid festival that prohibited anyone from lighting a flame or candle. Patrick, refusing to honor anyone but Christ, stood against the king. That morning, Patrick risked his life by climbing to the tallest hill in the area and lighting a huge fire. As the ancient Irish people woke up, they could all see Patrick's defiance of the king. He could not hide his light. Patrick wanted to show the world that God’s light shines in darkness, and only He deserves praise.
Years later, an unknown composer wrote a melody in honor of Patrick's heroism. Called, "Slane," the now-forgotten composer named it after the hill where Patrick shined his light: Slane Hill.
Patrick’s word endured, and several centuries later, the Irish church was still producing hymns, prayers, sermons, and songs of worship. In the eighth century, an unknown poet wrote a prayer asking God to be his vision, his wisdom, and his best thought by day or night.
This original Old Irish text, Rop tú mo Baile, is often attributed to Dallan Forgaill, who was a descendant of the legendary High King, Colla Uais. He was acclaimed a saint in the early 11th century.
In 1905, Mary Elizabeth Byrne, who was a 25-year old university student, discovered the 14th century copy and translated it into English for the very first time. A scholar in Dublin, Ireland, she received her education from the Dominican Convent and the National University of Ireland. She was an Irish linguist, author, and journalist.
Later in 1912, an Irish woman named Eleanor Hull set the words to music. The melody she selected was none other than "Slane," the medieval tune written in honor of St. Patrick. The hymn became famous overnight and appeared in its first hymnal in 1919. In 2019, the world celebrated the 100th anniversary of the modern version of Be Thou My Vision.
Hull was born in Manchester, England. Her grandfather was a Protestant minister and poet. She was educated at home before attending college in Dublin. Ellen was an organist and held a number of positions during her life. They included editor, publisher and secretary of many different organizations.
This sung prayer is rich with imagery of a high view of Christ, the unequaled treasure of finding Him, and our total surrender to His Kingship. Verse one calls out to Him to be our “vision and best thought” above all else; Verse two expounds our wisdom and unity with the Triune God as His adopted sons; Verse three tells of the seeking of our inheritance and true treasure; and Verse four, praise to the High King who has won our victory.
It is one of our oldest and most moving hymns.
Enduringword.com: The best Christian living comes from minds that are fixed on heaven. They realize that their lives are now hidden with Christ in God, and since Jesus is enthroned in heaven, their thoughts and hearts are connected to heaven also . . .The word “seek” marks aspiration, desire, and passion . . . In order to seek these things, the mind must be set on them.
Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: That is, seek them as the objects of pursuit and affection; strive to secure them . . . Christ is there, and since He is the object of our supreme attachment, we should fix our affections on heavenly things, and seek to be prepared to dwell with Him.
Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: A father is the protector, counselor, and guide of his children. He instructs them, provides for them, and counsels them in time of perplexity. No relation is more tender than this. In accordance with this, God says, that He will be to His people their protector, counsellor, guide, and friend. He will cherish toward them the feeling of a father; He will provide for them; He will acknowledge them as His children. No higher honor can be conferred on mortals than to be adopted into the family of God, and to be permitted to call the Most High our Father.
Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: To an inheritance - Through the resurrection of the Lord Jesus we now cherish the hope of that future inheritance in heaven. Christians are regarded as the adopted children of God, and heaven is spoken of as their inheritance - as what their Father will bestow on them as the proof of His love . . . Incorruptible -- It will not fade away and vanish, as that which we inherit in this world does. The meaning here is, that the inheritance will be imperishable, or will endure forever. Here, to whatever we may be heirs, we must soon part with the inheritance; there it will be eternal.
Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: We who are Christians; all Christians. The victory over sin and death. God alone is the author of this victory. He formed the plan; He executed it in the gift of His Son; and He gives it to us personally when we come to die.”
Biblehub.com, Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible: The Spirit of God is sent down “into our hearts” as a pledge where He dwells as in His temple, supplies us with all grace, witnesses to us our sonship, and assures us of the heavenly glory.”
Be Thou My Vision is the song of new life. It’s the song of the new life of St. Patrick, who shined his light for Christ. It’s the song of the new life in Ireland, where dead paganism gave way to centuries of vibrant faith. It’s the song of new life in the singer’s heart, where God shines His forgiveness in a sinful soul. And it is the song of new life for the hymn itself, which millions now enjoy again after centuries of obscurity.
