First Song of Isaiah
I sing the mighty power of God
This hymn embodies Lutheran confidence in God's providential care and resurrection hope, reflecting the joy of the redeemed community in Isaiah 12's original context. The text emphasizes both God's transcendent power and intimate care for creation, central to Lutheran understanding of divine majesty and mercy.
History & Background
Isaac Watts composed this canticle-inspired hymn around 1715 as a free paraphrase of Isaiah 12, transforming the biblical song into accessible congregational verse. It was published in Watts' Hymns and Spiritual Songs and has remained a staple of English-language Protestant hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 887
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 532
- Lutheran Service Book — 927
- Lutheran Worship — 290
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 12
- With One Voice — 742
Bulletin Note
Isaac Watts (1674–1748) paraphrased Isaiah 12 in 1715, crafting this joyful testimony of salvation. Watts revolutionized English hymnody by making biblical truth singable and personal—here transforming ancient Israel's song into the Church's own eternal refrain.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms Isaiah's proclamation of God's redemptive power into doxological certainty, making it a perfect response to Gospel proclamation—moving the hearer from the assurance of what God has done into the lived joy of what God continues to do.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From contemplation of Christ's humble birth in obscurity to personal invitation for Christ's transformative indwelling; movement from historical event to soteriological application
Themes
God's power and majesty Comfort and assurance Divine providence Thanksgiving Resurrection hope