Samuel Stennett, writer of this hymn, was born in England in 1727. He came from a heritage of Baptist pastors; his father and grandfather were both in the ministry. As Baptists, they did not conform to the Church of England, so he was not allowed into normal universities. Nonconformists were seen as rebels against the Crown and against God.
But Stennett was friends with King George the Third. He used his friendship as best he could to influence the King so that dissenters didn’t get looked down upon as much as they had been.
Stennett had many political opportunities because of his friendship with the King, but instead decided to focus on the ministry, and he wrote many hymns.
At the age of ten he moved to London. His father had become the minister of the Seventh Day Baptist Church over there. He went on to study at the Academy of Mile End, which was a nonconformist school. He received a Doctor of Divinity at King’s College.
Stennett served as an assistant to his father in his congregation in 1747 and assumed the position of pastor upon his father’s death in 1758. He was called as pastor of the Sabbatarian Baptist Church in 1767, a congregation that had been served by his grandfather, but declined the call. While continuing his other position, he preached to the Sabbatarian congregation every Saturday for 20 years. His published works include sermons, pamphlets, and 38 hymns in John Rippon's book: “Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors.” In 1763 he was honored with a D. D. degree by the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He died in London August 25, 1795.
Rigdon M McIntosh, a Southern musician, added the refrain to this hymn. The refrain rouses joy when sung as we look forward to the Promised Land.
Biblehub.com: The term “Promised Land” generally refers to the specific territory that was pledged by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. According to the historical narratives and covenants recorded in Scripture, it was a physical region in the ancient Near East intended for the nation of Israel. This covenantal promise appears early in the Hebrew Scriptures, illustrating an enduring pledge made between God and His people.
What does the Promised Land mean for Christians?
Christianitytoday.com: This promised land that God gives to all, however, is not a country or land that is temporal, but a land that will last for eternity; a place we can call our eternal home. Consider what the faithful men and women of God believed in: a promised land that is far better than any land in this world . . . Our Promised Land is God's heavenly dwelling place, a place where we will dwell with God . . . This is the promised land for all who believe. Christians from all nations are promised a heavenly home where God dwells with us, and the way for us to enter in is only through Jesus Christ.
When you sing this refrain, sing it loud and clear! We are going!
Godsbless.ing: This verse offers profound hope and direction, speaking to the transformative power of Christ, the new life of holiness, and the ultimate reward of eternal life. For anyone feeling trapped or hopeless, this verse serves as a reminder that true freedom and eternal life are found in Christ. It calls us to embrace the freedom from sin, the servitude to God, the pursuit of holiness, and the hope of eternal life that Christ offers
Biblerepository.com: One of the most powerful aspects of this verse is the promise of eternal life. It’s not just about how we live now, but it is also about what awaits us in the future. If we devote ourselves to God, the end result is a heavenly reward that lasts forever. This provides us with hope and encouragement during difficult times.
Biblerepository.com: The voice of the multitude in Revelation 19:6 is the response to God’s reign being established. This moment marks the fulfillment of promises God has made throughout Scripture, bringing closure to a tumultuous history of conflict between good and evil. In Christ, we find hope and are reminded that despite the chaos we may experience, God’s ultimate plan is victory. His reign assures us that we can strive for holiness and joy, even in difficult circumstances.
Enduringword.com: Heaven will be a place where the darkness of this age will be forever gone. The light is not artificial, even from the sun – God Himself is the light.
Godsbless.ing: The declaration that 'there will be no more night' signifies the cessation of darkness in all its forms, whether physical or spiritual. Night, often symbolizing sin, fear, and separation from God in biblical imagery, will be banished forever in the eternal light of God’s kingdom. The assurance that believers will not require the light of lamps or the sun underscores the sufficiency of God’s presence as the sole source of illumination, surpassing all other lights in its brilliance and permanence.
Biblehub.com: Isaiah 51:11 speaks of the redeemed of the Lord returning to Zion with joy and everlasting happiness. This verse emphasizes that those who have been rescued from suffering and oppression will experience a profound sense of joy and relief. The imagery of singing and joy signifies a return to a place of safety and celebration, contrasting with the sorrow and sighing of the past. This promise is rooted in God’s faithfulness and His ability to restore and bring hope to His people, even in the midst of trials.
Godsbless.ing: We are reminded of the promise that the redeemed will see God’s face and bear His name on their foreheads. It is a picture of ultimate fulfillment and joy, where the faithful are in the presence of their Creator, experiencing His love and glory in all its fullness . . . This verse speaks to the intimacy and connection believers will have with God in the afterlife. The phrase “They will see His face” symbolizes the profound experience of being in the presence of God, seeing Him directly and experiencing His full glory. This vision represents a deep spiritual connection and understanding of God that transcends our earthly limitations. It speaks to a sense of closeness, knowledge, and communion with the divine that is beyond human comprehension.
Who will go with you? God’s invitation is to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Biblerepository.com: “To everyone that believeth” opens the door for inclusivity. It emphasizes that the gospel is available to all who believe, irrespective of their past or identity. Think of this as a loving invitation, extending grace to every heart that is eager and willing to respond. As followers of Christ, we can help create an unbroken circle of believers who reflect this grace and hope.
Again, who will go with you?
