How Beauteous Are Their Feet

How Beauteous Are Their Feet is a hymn text by Isaac Watts (1719) in L.M. meter. Found in ELH 192, h82 549, th 473, tlh 487.

This hymn embodies the Lutheran emphasis on the external word and the proclamation of the Gospel as the means of grace and salvation. It reflects the Great Commission imperative central to Lutheran missiology and the joy of the redeemed in witnessing to Christ's redemptive work.

History & Background

Isaac Watts composed this hymn in 1719 as part of his scriptural song interpretations, particularly drawing from Isaiah 52:7. The hymn became a staple of English-speaking Protestant worship and was included in The Evangelical Lutheran Hymnal (1931) as hymn 487.

Hymnal Appearances

• Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 192
• The Hymnal 1982 — 549
• Trinity Hymnal — 473
• The Lutheran Hymnal — 487

Bulletin Note

Isaac Watts (1719). This English Dissenter crafted a hymn rooted in Romans 10:15, emphasizing the beauty of Gospel proclamation as the primary means by which God gathers His redeemed people.

Preaching Connection

This hymn transforms the Great Commission from legal obligation into joyful proclamation, showing how the Gospel announced freely stirs the heart of the redeemed to witness boldly.

Background Research

TLH 487. Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs (1707), Book I, titled "The Blessedness of Gospel Times; or, The Revelation of Christ to Jews and Gentiles" (the second clause is from memory). On Isaiah 52:7–10, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings", together with Matt 13:16–17, "Blessed are your eyes, for they see". It contrasts the Old Testament saints who longed to see with Gospel-age believers who see. TLH places it among hymns on the Ministry and Missions. 719 hymnals (Hymnary). Tunes: ST. THOMAS (Aaron Williams; lines 5–8 of HOLBORN), ST. MICHAEL (Genevan).

Overview

Watts's hymn on Isa 52:7-10 and Matt 13:16-17. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring salvation and peace (st. 1); their message: 'Zion, behold thy Savior-King' (st. 2); happy the ears that hear what kings and prophets longed for (st. 3) and the eyes that see it (st. 4); the watchmen sing, Jerusalem and the deserts rejoice (st. 5); the Lord bares his arm before all nations (st. 6). A hymn for the preaching office and for missions.

Central theme: The blessedness of those who bring and those who hear the Gospel that kings and prophets longed for

Structure

Six short-meter quatrains following Isa 52:7-10 with Matt 13:16-17: messengers (1) — message (2) — ears (3) — eyes (4) — watchmen (5) — nations (6).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel throughout: 'salvation… words of peace'; 'thy Savior-King'; 'Their Savior and their God.'

Confessional Connections

Isa 52:7 (TLH's text), quoted by Paul for gospel preachers: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!' (Rom 10:15). The preached Word is the means by which faith comes (Rom 10:14-17; AC V). St. 3-4: the blessedness of the New Testament hearer, who has the fulfilled promise that prophets and kings only foresaw (Matt 13:17; 1 Pet 1:10-12). St. 6: 'Let every nation… behold / Their Savior' — universal grace (FC XI.28).

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

Ordination; missions; Second Sunday in Advent; the Word.

Historical Notes

From Watts's Hymns and Spiritual Songs (1707), Book I.

About the Tune

ST. MICHAEL (Genevan Psalter, 1551; adapted).

Scripture References

Isa 52:7-10 Rom 10:15 Zech 9:9 Matt 13:16-17 Luke 10:23-24 1 Pet 1:10-12 Isa 35:1-2 Luke 2:30-32

Stanza by Stanza

Themes

Missionary zeal Evangelism and proclamation Good news of salvation Divine calling

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "How Beauteous Are Their Feet" ↗