How Precious Is the Book Divine
How precious is the book divine
This hymn expresses the Lutheran conviction that Scripture is the authoritative source of divine truth and spiritual sustenance for believers. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on sola scriptura while celebrating the personal transformative power of God's written Word in daily Christian experience.
History & Background
Written by John Burton, an English Independent minister, in the early 19th century. The hymn became popular in English-speaking Protestant traditions and was included in various Lutheran hymnals including The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) where it appears as hymn 285.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 332
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 285
Bulletin Note
Written by English hymnist John Burton in 1802, this Common Meter hymn reflects Reformation confidence in Scripture's sufficiency and authority. Burton crafted it to celebrate the Bible's dual capacity to convict and to comfort believers through the Spirit's work.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully embodies the Reformation principle that Scripture reveals both God's holy demands and His merciful grace, making it an ideal accompaniment to any sermon exploring how the Law and Gospel work together to drive sinners toward Christ.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand of belief and baptism, through Christ's redemptive work and Spirit-empowered perseverance, to doxological assurance of eternal inheritance
Themes
Scripture authority Word of God Spiritual nourishment Divine guidance Bible study