The hymn we sing today has 19th-century German roots, with a
translation by Edward Caswall (1814-1878), a Roman Catholic and one of the
foremost translators of hymns of his era; adapted by Robert Bridges (1844-1930),
a British poet, and set to music by English choirmaster, Joseph Barnby (1838-1896).
We don’t always know the writer of a hymn, the story of a
hymn writer’s life or how a hymn came to be. Yet hymns are not anonymous. Somebody
wrote the text. Somebody was influenced by life’s circumstances, and somebody
felt the touch of God.
The hymn first appeared in a Roman Catholic
hymnal, Catholisches Gesangbuch in 1828. That hymnal originated
in Wurzburg, on the Main River near Frankfurt. That is a lovely country,
with hills and streams. It’s no wonder that a poet, seeing that beauty,
would be inspired to write a hymn praising God for natural wonders.
The hymn celebrates more than natural wonders. It
calls us to praise God whether we are at work or at prayer––whether in the
night or the day–– even when faced with the powers of darkness, which lose
their power when subjected to praise to God. It calls us to praise God “thro’
all the ages long.”
To praise God morning, noon and night, and by everyone,
everywhere, is exactly what the author of “When Morning Gilds the Skies” had
in mind.
The hymn was translated from German into English by Edward
Caswell, born in 1814. Caswell was the son of an Anglican clergyman and was
ordained as an Anglican. He studied at Brasenose College, Oxford. He
converted to Catholicism in 1847, prior to translating this hymn in 1854.
He was known for his interest in helping the poor, the sick
and little children. He translated many Latin hymns into English. In addition
to this hymn, Caswell translated the well-known, “Jesus, the Very Thought of
Thee.”
Distinguished English poet and translator, Robert Bridges, tried his hand at improving the text, noting in 1899 that, “It is of great merit, and I have tried to give a better version of it than the current one, keeping the original metre, preserving the first lines of the old translation, since it is by them that the hymn is known.”
Robert Seymour Bridges was a British poet who was Poet Laureate 1913 to 1930. A doctor by training, he achieved literary fame only late in life. His poems reflect a deep Christian faith, and he is the author of many well-known hymns.
Bridges was born in England, the son of John Thomas Bridges and Harriett Elizabeth. He was the fourth son and eighth child. Bridges was educated at Eton College in Oxford. He went on to study medicine in London at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital intending to practice until the age of forty and then retire to write poetry.
Lung disease forced Bridges to retire from his post as
physician in 1885, and from that point on he devoted himself to writing and
literary research. However, Bridges's literary work started long before his
retirement, spending the rest of his life in rural seclusion.
He was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal College of
Physicians of London in 1900. He was appointed Poet Laureate in 1913, the only
medical graduate to have held the office.
Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: Of providential mercies, which are new every morning; and of special mercy in the heart of God, in the covenant of His grace, in redemption, in regeneration, in the pardon of sin, and in eternal life and salvation.
Scripturesavvy.com: Mornings often symbolize fresh starts,
new hope, and an opportunity to renew our spirits. When we begin our day by
reflecting on God’s love, we set a positive tone for everything that follows.
It reminds us that God is with us in every moment, no matter the struggles we
face. Each day offers a chance to approach life with renewed grace, allowing
God’s love to saturate our hearts.
Enduringword.com The psalmist called upon all angelic beings to give God praise. This is the constant occupation of the living creatures surrounding God’s throne. The company of faithful angels is like a great army (all His hosts).
Studylight.org, Smith’s Bible Commentary: The calling forth for praise unto God by all of His created hosts: the angels, the hosts, the stars, and planets, and the universe.
Scripturesavvy.com: This verse speaks to our responsibility
as humanity to recognize the power and majesty of God. Just as angels and
celestial beings are called to praise, we too should join in. It serves as a
reminder that every creation, from the stars to the trees and the animals we
see, has a role in glorifying God. This brings a sense of purpose not only to
us as individuals but also to the entire universe. God desires for all to
worship Him, encompassing both the seen and the unseen realms.
Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: Let all worlds be full of joy, as they are all interested in the fact here stated. The universe is one. It has been made by the same hand; it is under the control of the same mind; it is governed by the same laws. The God who reigns on earth reigns in heaven; and what affects one part of the universe affects all. Hence, in all the manifestation of the character of God, whether made in heaven or in the earth, it is proper to call on all the universe to partake in the general joy . . . In praise to God, it is not uncommon in the Scriptures to call on inanimate things to praise God . . . His reign is an occasion for universal gladness. All in the inanimate world; all among the irrational tribes of being; all in the air, in the waters, or on the earth, have occasion for praise, and would render praise if they could appreciate the wisdom and goodness evinced in their creation.
Studylight.org, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible: All of
the dread and fear of the darkness which have dogged the steps of humanity
through the ages shall disappear in the light and bliss of heaven. "The
saved will need no sun nor lamp, because of the light of the divine glory with
them." Isbon T. Beckwith, op. cit., p. 767.
Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: The
Lord God giveth them light; immediately from Himself, without the use of means
and ordinances; and in His light the saints will see all things clearly; who
will be always communicating it to them, and will be their everlasting
light; and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Bibleref.com: Paul encourages the singing of various types of spiritual songs.
Paul never gives preference to one type of music over another. His purpose here
is simply to state that all types of music were to be used to let the word of
Christ dwell richly within us. This singing was to be done with an attitude of
thanksgiving. Singing praise to God is largely associated with showing our
gratitude to Him, rather than focusing on ourselves or our own desires.
Biblehub.com: A canticle is a hymn or song of praise drawn directly from Scripture (outside the Book of Psalms) or composed in a manner intentionally reflective of scriptural praise
Jesus Christ deserves our praise. Day or night must not pass without words and songs of praise to our Lord. Whether our day is hard or our night lonely, the praise we bring forth for our Savior must come from a steadfast spirit and firm faith.
By His Grace . . .
