A Multitude Comes from the East and the West
A multitude comes from the east and the west
The hymn presents Lutheran eschatological hope centered on Christ's messianic banquet, where believers from all nations gather in God's kingdom. It reflects the Lutheran emphasis on justification by faith and the promise of eternal communion with Christ as fulfillment of the covenant.
History & Background
Written by Friedrich Rückert in 1833, this German hymn reflects 19th-century Romantic theology emphasizing universal divine grace. The hymn was first translated into English in the 1969 Lutheran Book of Worship, representing renewed interest in global eschatological themes.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 313
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 313
- Lutheran Service Book — 510
- Lutheran Worship — 464
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 415
- Voices Together — 303
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by German Romantic poet Friedrich Rückert in 1833, this hymn envisions the eschatological feast of Christ's kingdom. Its luminous imagery of gathering multitudes reflects Lutheran confidence in justification by faith as the basis for all saints' communion.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms eschatological promise into present comfort: the Gospel's offer of the messianic feast answers the Law's judgment of separation, assuring believers that grace extends to all nations without exception.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from separation and judgment to gracious invitation, communion, and eschatological hope
Themes
Eschatology and final judgment Universal salvation hope God's covenant faithfulness Messianic fulfillment