Behold Our God by Sovereign Grace Music
Psalm 96:1 — Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Each year, Christians all around the world are called or led to write new songs of worship and devotion. These songs are often born out of our experiences or our responses to God’s working in our lives. Sometimes a writer might be inspired by the new things God is teaching her through His Word. Other songs may be the result of a personal testimony. Whatever the initial spark of inspiration, the result is the development of a new song of praise to our God.
While many of these songs will never be heard outside of their local context, occasionally songs rise up to use beyond their initial setting and become part of the worship liturgy of the broader church. This process is fitting because there is clear instruction throughout the Psalms to sing a new song of praise in the congregation. While there are many songs that contain timeless truth about the nature and character of God, His work is not limited to time past. God is present and active in the world today just as in years past, and His wondrous deeds today deserve to be recorded and celebrated in the worship of the Church.
The song “Behold Our God” was written in 2011 and is an example of a wonderful balance of timeless truth being conveyed in a modern context.
Verse 1
Who has held the oceans in His hands?
Who has numbered every grain of sand?
Kings and nations tremble at His voice
All creation rises to rejoice
Chorus
Behold our God seated on His throne
Come, let us adore Him
Behold our King — nothing can compare
Come, let us adore Him
Verse 2
Who has given counsel to the Lord?
Who can question any of His words?
Who can teach the One who knows all things?
Who can fathom all His wondrous deeds?
Verse 3
Who has felt the nails upon His hands?
Bearing all the guilt of sinful man
God eternal, humbled to the grave
Jesus, Savior, risen now to reign
Tag
You will reign forever
Let Your glory fill the earth
Jonathan Baird | Meghan Baird | Ryan Baird | Stephen Altrogge
If the verses seem to follow the pattern of certain Old Testament passages, there is good reason. Isaiah 40:12–14 served as a foundation for the lyrics. Observe the similar series of questions which defy an answer in human terms.
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,
And marked off the heavens by the span,
And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure,
And weighed the mountains in a balance
And the hills in a pair of scales?
13 Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord,
Or as His counselor has informed Him?
14 With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding?
And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge
And informed Him of the way of understanding?
The answer to the questions of both this Scripture and the song is a resounding “No One!”
No one has given counsel to the Lord! No one has calculated the dust of the earth by measure!
The Lord God alone is the Creator and Sustainer of all things! The song then turns through the chorus as a response to the glory of God.
Behold our God seated on His throne
Come, let us adore Him
Behold our King — nothing can compare
Come, let us adore Him
The third verse turns our attention to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, connecting the worshipers’ thoughts to Jesus as their personal Savior and Redeemer. The simple tag resembles the worship in the throne room in heaven as described in Revelation 4. Two different statements of praise sung at the same time, much as the living creatures and twenty-four elders, but here it is the echo of men and women redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
Musically, each section matches the attitude of corresponding theme. The melody line of the verse is circular in nature, mirroring the inability to respond to the questions that are posed. This is replaced in the chorus with the steady march of an ascending melodic line, depicting in music the ascent of our voices, hearts and minds to the exalted throne of God.
While there are many beautiful songs that have been written for the church in the last decade, this song is especially conducive for congregational worship. The range of the song is diverse enough to remain musically compelling, without the adverse effect of being distracting. The chorus lifts without straining the voice and is fitting as an ending of adoration. The congregation will be left with the Glory of God as the central thought, which is the ultimate goal of our worship.
