A little over a month ago, I mentioned a new book of hymns that I've been reading titled “Our Hymns, Our Heritage”. It contains 120 of the hymns that “every child – indeed, every Christian – should know,” along with a story about the writing of each hymn and/or an account of how the Lord has used each hymn in the lives of others.

One of the hymns that is known by two different names is “Man of Sorrows” / “Hallelujah! What a Savior”. Both the lyrics and the tune were written by Philip Bliss around 1875. Although Bliss died at the young age of 38, he still wrote dozens of hymns, including another one of my favorites, “I Will Sing of My Redeemer”. He also wrote the tune to “It Is Well” that we all love so much.

Ira Sankey, a famous gospel singer, said this about the last time he heard Philip Bliss sing “Man of Sorrows”:

• A few weeks before his death, Mr. Bliss visited the state prison at Jackson, Michigan, where, after a very touching address on “The Man of Sorrows,” he sang this hymn. Many of the prisoners dated their conversion from that day. (Our Hymns, 70)

As you reflect upon the lyrics of this hymn, you’ll notice that it helps you to meditate upon the truths of Isaiah 52:13–53:12. All of the best hymns help implant the truths of God’s Word in our hearts.

Here are three of the five verses in case you didn’t bring up the sheet music:

• Man of sorrows! What a name,
  for the Son of God who came
  ruined sinners to reclaim;
  Hallelujah! What a Savior!

• Guilty, vile and helpless we,
  spotless Lamb of God was he;
  full atonement - can it be?
  Hallelujah! What a Savior!

• When he comes, our glorious King,
  all his ransomed home to bring,
  then anew this song we’ll sing:
  Hallelujah! What a Savior!

What a savior indeed!

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Evan

Related prior article: "Our Hymns, Our Heritage"