Christ Shall Have Dominion Lyrics
The Psalter, From Psalm 72, 1912
Tune Name: DOMINION
Composer: Traditional; arranged by L. Hartsough
Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
Hymnbook Source: Gospel hymnals
- Verse 1
- Christ shall have dominion Over land and sea,
- Earth’s remotest regions shall His empire be;
- They that wilds inhabit shall their worship bring,
- Kings shall render tribute, nations serve our King.
- Christ shall have dominion, over land and sea,
- Earth’s remotest regions shall His empire be.
- Verse 2
- When the needy seek Him, He will mercy show;
- Yea, the weak and helpless shall His pity know;
- He will surely save them from oppression’s might,
- For their lives are precious in His holy sight.
- Christ shall have dominion, over land and sea,
- Earth’s remotest regions shall His empire be.
- Verse 3
- Ever and forever shall His Name endure;
- Long as suns continue it shall stand secure;
- And in Him forever all men shall be blest,
- And all nations hail Him King of kings confessed.
- Christ shall have dominion, over land and sea,
- Earth’s remotest regions shall His empire be.
- Verse 4
- Unto God Almighty joyful Zion sings;
- He alone is glorious, doing wondrous things.
- Evermore, ye people, bless His glorious Name,
- His eternal glory through the earth proclaim.
- Christ shall have dominion, over land and sea,
- Earth’s remotest regions shall His empire be.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Christ Shall Have Dominion |
| Author / Lyricist | Isaac Watts (1674–1748) |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional or adapted from various hymn tunes (commonly used with "Christ Shall Have Dominion" tune in 19th-century hymnals) |
| Date Written | Early 18th century (first published in Watts’ hymn collections, e.g., Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707) |
| Historical Context | Written in post-Reformation England, reflecting the triumph of Christ over sin, Satan, and worldly powers; aligns with Watts’ emphasis on Christ’s universal reign. |
| Theme / Message | Christ’s sovereignty, universal dominion, and eventual triumph over all opposition; encourages worshippers to submit to Christ as King of all creation. |
| Notable Features | Uses declarative and prophetic language; emphasizes eschatological hope; suitable for congregational singing and corporate worship. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Frequently included in Reformed and Presbyterian hymnals; used in services emphasizing Christ’s kingship and the spread of the gospel. |
| Source / Scholarship | Isaac Watts: His Life and Writings – John Brown; A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Christ Shall Have Dominion |
| Author / Lyricist | Isaac Watts (1674–1748) |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional or adapted from various hymn tunes (commonly “Christ Shall Have Dominion”) |
| Date Written / Published | Early 18th century (first published in Watts’ hymn collections, e.g., Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707) |
| Historical Context | Written in post-Reformation England; emphasizes Christ’s universal reign. |
| Theme / Message | Christ’s sovereignty, dominion, and ultimate triumph over opposition. |
| Notable Features | Declarative and prophetic language; eschatological hope. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Frequently included in Reformed and Presbyterian hymnals; used in services emphasizing Christ’s kingship. |
| Source / Scholarship | Isaac Watts: His Life and Writings – John Brown; A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Biblical Scholars on Christ's Dominion:
| Scholar | View on Christ’s Dominion | Key Work / Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Desiderius Erasmus (1466–1536, Netherlands) | Christ’s dominion is spiritual and moral, exercised through love and the guidance of the Church rather than political power. | Enchiridion Militis Christiani (1503) |
| Martin Luther (1483–1546, Germany) | Christ’s dominion is both spiritual and cosmic: He rules over sin and death, and His kingdom exists in the hearts of believers through faith. | On the Freedom of a Christian (1520) |
| John Calvin (1509–1564, France/Switzerland) | Christ’s dominion is sovereign and universal, extending over all creation, both spiritually and in providential governance. | Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536, revised 1559) |
| Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758, USA) | Christ exercises dominion as Lord over creation and history, working to glorify God and bring moral order through the church and believers. | Freedom of the Will (1754), Sermons |
| Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768–1834, Germany) | Christ’s dominion is ethical and relational, realized in the transformation of human hearts and communities through divine love. |
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