[302 words]
Some of the songs we sing may be difficult for us to understand if we are unfamiliar with the “poetic license” employed by the authors. The Friendly Visitor bulletin from a church of Christ in Oklahoma City gives the following information about songs which might help you better understand some difficult wording.
EBON PINION speaks of the confinement of darkness. The dark of night held Jesus when He prayed in Gethsemane.
BEULAH LAND was Palestine to the Jews. They longed to be free again, go back home from Babylonian captivity and be “married” to the Lord once more.
EBENEEZER means memorial to divine aid. The Jews raised memorials in places where God had given them great success. We hold in solemn remembrance places dear to us because of special blessings from the Lord.
LOWER LIGHTS are the lives of Christians shining forth in this dark world of sin. They are sending forth the gospel to those who are in danger of drowning in iniquity. Brightly beams our Fathers’ mercy but the lower lights are needed to bring the lost ones safely home.
THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET is from Isaiah 1:18. Scarlet was the color of a deep-red permanent dye and its deep stain was virtually impossible to remove from clothing. The stain of sin seems equally permanently soiled. Only God can remove sins stain.
KING OF OUR LIVES BY HIS GRACE WE WILL BE. Following Him, we will rule ourselves wisely and well.
BREAD OF LIFE refers to food that sustains spiritual life (ie being given instruction about Christ, being taught the Bible, etc.)
THE FIERY CLOUDY PILLAR speaks of God’s leadership by night and day as when leading the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan.
“All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You” (Psalm 66:4).