Be Not Dismayed Thou Little Flock
Be not dismayed, thou little flock
This hymn articulates distinctly Lutheran trust in God's sovereign care and protective providence over His Church even in times of persecution and diminishment. It reflects the 16th-17th century experience of German Protestants facing Catholic opposition while maintaining confidence in God's unchanging promises and Christ's headship of the Church.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn 'Sey getrost und unverzagt' around 1610 during a period of religious conflict and persecution of Protestants in Bohemia. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863, making it accessible to English-speaking Lutherans and other Protestant traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 476
- Lutheran Service Book — 749
- Lutheran Worship — 366
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 262
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1557–1622) wrote this hymn during the Counter-Reformation when German Protestants faced Catholic persecution. Its steady long meter and vigilant theology became a cornerstone of Lutheran hymnody expressing confidence in God's hidden but sovereign protection of the Church.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's accusation of our littleness and powerlessness into the Gospel's proclamation that God's sovereignty and fatherly care are revealed precisely through our dependence and trust in Christ alone.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological ascent: Christ's exaltation and mediation (1-2) → human struggle and incomplete vision (3) → eschatological hope and perseverance (4)
Themes
Faith in persecution Providence of God Trust in Christ Comfort in affliction God's care for the remnant