Daniel Crane Roberts, a shy man, never conceived that his
hymn would achieve such popularity. His humble demeanor deflected attention
from himself. He wrote six years before his death: "I remain a country
parson, known only within my own small world."
In reference to his one significant literary work, he noted,
“My little hymn has thus had a very flattering official recognition. But that which
would really gladden my heart, popular recognition, it has not received.” That
changed when our nation was preparing to celebrate the centennial of the United
States Constitution.
Roberts was born on Long Island in New York and attended
college in Ohio. There is no other information about his early life. When
the Civil War started, he joined the Union Army as a member of the 84th Ohio
Volunteers.
Roberts was later ordained as an Episcopal deacon in 1865
and as a priest in 1866. As the 35-year-old rector of St. Thomas
Episcopal Church, a small rural church in Brandon, Vermont, Roberts wanted a
new hymn for his congregation to celebrate the American Centennial in 1876. He
wrote "God of Our Fathers" and his congregation sang it to a tune
called "Russian Hymn."
Some years later, the Episcopal Church decided to publish a
new hymnal and invited input. Roberts submitted this hymn for consideration
but was so uncertain of its worth that he did so anonymously. He was
surprised when it was selected and published in 1892. He then provided his
name.
It was at the same time that the nation was preparing to
celebrate the centennial of the United States Constitution. George
William Warren was one of the people involved in those preparations. He
became aware of this hymn because of his work on the hymnal project.
Based on his recommendation, the planners for the national celebration wanted
to adopt the hymn for official use but could not choose it with a tune called
"Russian Hymn".
They asked Warren to write a new tune, and he wrote the tune
that we use with this hymn today, entitled "National Hymn."
Because of its use in that national celebration, the hymn became widely known,
and as new hymnals were published, most of them included this hymn. It
has been widely sung now for more than a century.
Roberts ministered to Christ Church, Montpelier, Vermont;
St. John's Church, Lowell, Massachusetts; St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Brandon,
Vermont; and for many years, St. Paul's Church, Concord, New Hampshire.
He was also widely known throughout New Hampshire for his
work as president of the New Hampshire Historical Society, as chaplain of the Grand
Army of the Republic and as an active member in the Knights Templar.
Before his death in 1907 he was awarded several honors
including the Doctor of Divinity by Norwich University.
Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: There can be little doubt that angelic beings are intended here, though some have thought that the stars literally are referred to, and that they seemed to unite in a chorus of praise when another world was added to their number . . . The comparison of a prince, a monarch, or an angel, with a star, is not uncommon . . . The expression “the morning-stars” is used on account of the beauty of the principal star which, at certain seasons of the year, leads on the morning. It is applied naturally to those angelic beings that are of distinguished glory and rank in heaven . . . United in a grand chorus or concert of praise.
Studylight.org, Smith’s Bible Commentary: God is now talking to Job about the creation of the earth, about nature. Pointing out that Job knows so little about nature . . . Now, the morning stars, the word star oftentimes refers to the angels . . . We see God as He is bringing the earth into existence and the angels, the morning stars, are singing together and all the sons of God are shouting for joy. The sons of God referring again to angels . . . What a glorious scene that must have been when God created the earth and the angels, the morning stars, sang together.
Enduringword.com, David Guzik: God shows us something of His eternal power and divine nature through creation, by the things that are made. He has given a general revelation that is obvious both in creation and within the mind and heart of man.
Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: His deity; divinity; divine nature, or essence. The word is not used elsewhere in the New Testament. Its meaning cannot therefore be fixed by any parallel passages. It proves the truth that the supremacy, or supreme divinity of God, was exhibited in the works of creation, or that he was exalted above all creatures and things.
Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: This properly means the path to life; the road to preferment or honor; the path to happiness; It means, Thou wilt make known to me life itself, that is, Thou wilt restore me to life.
Enduringword.com, David Guzik: Despite his delight and desire for God’s Word, the psalmist knows he cannot walk in God’s path without God’s empowering.
Biblehub.com, Gill’s Exposition of the entire Bible: Lead, guide, direct me in the path, and use me to it; work in me both to will and to do; give both ability and a willing mind to walk therein; by granting fresh supplies of grace, and more spiritual strength; by drawing with the cords of love, and by putting in him the good spirit of grace, to cause to walk in the statues of the Lord and keep his judgments and do them.
Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: It was the Lord that strengthened him [David], helped him, and gave him the victory. The Lord is the author and giver of strength, natural and spiritual; He is the "strength" of the hearts and lives of His people, and of their salvation; they sing of His nature and perfections, of His works of providence and grace, of His righteousness and salvation.
Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: Thou hast great power - the arm being the instrument by which we accomplish our purposes . . . the hand, too, is an instrument by which we execute our plans. Hence, God is so often represented as having delivered his people with a strong hand.
Biblehib.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: For Thou art my Rock and my Fortress -Therefore for Thy name's sake - For the sake of Thine own honor, or for the glory of Thy name. since I put my trust in Thee -- show, by leading and guiding me, that my trust is well founded, or that this is Thy character, and that Thou wilt be true and faithful to those who commit their all to Thee.
Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: "That the times of refreshing may come," seasons of rest, and deliverance from the violent heat of persecution; which was the case of the saints at the destruction of Jerusalem; they were not only saved from that ruin but delivered from the wrath of their most implacable enemies. The Ethiopic version renders it, "and the day of mercy shall come from the presence of the Lord", repenting sinners find mercy; and a discovery of pardon is a time of mercy; and when God grants this, he affords his presence.
This hymn’s stirring lyrics and majestic tune represent, albeit subtly, the common 19th-century assumption of Manifest Destiny: God will lead us from the war and pestilence of our earlier captivity to the freedom and light of peace.
A nation is only Christian when its citizens love and serve
Jesus Christ. Therefore, when we pray for our country, let us first pray for
the conversion of her citizens.
Today, when it seems that to be "in" one is
expected to rule patriotism "out," it is necessary to recall the
emphasis of Scripture regarding a Christian’s duty to country. "Give to
Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s" commanded the perfect
Patriot in Mark 12: 17. And one of Christ’s chief disciples wrote, "Submit
yourself for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether
to the King, as the supreme authority, or to governors who are sent by him.” (1
Peter 2:13)
