In Loud Exalted Strains
In loud exalted strains
In Loud Exalted Strains is a hymn text by Isaac Watts (1719) in L.M. meter. Found in lw 370, tlh 638. Sung to WAREHAM.
The hymn celebrates the holiness of God and the wonder of divine accessibility through Christ, reflecting Lutheran emphasis on both the transcendence and grace of God. It affirms the biblical vision of heaven's connection to earth and God's covenant faithfulness, central to Lutheran understanding of redemption.
History & Background
Watts composed this hymn based on Jacob's vision at Bethel (Genesis 28:17), published in his 1719 collection of Psalms of David. The text reflects Watts' metrical paraphrasing approach to Scripture, making it accessible for congregational singing.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 370
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 638
Bulletin Note
Isaac Watts (1719) wrote this L.M. hymn to capture the medieval vision of earthly worship joining heaven's eternal praise—a deeply Lutheran affirmation that grace bridges the infinite distance between God's holiness and our humanity.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel arc perfectly: Watts first awakens us to God's transcendent majesty and holiness, then lifts us into the grace-filled reality that Christ has opened heaven's doors to believing sinners.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's compassionate presence amid human suffering and social chaos, calling the Church to incarnational witness and mercy
Overview
A dedication hymn by the Welsh Baptist Benjamin Francis. Praise the King of Glory who reigns over heaven and earth, yet makes Zion his chosen rest (st. 1). Come, crown this temple and this people as your own, and show 'How God can dwell with men below' (st. 2). Hear our prayers, accept our praise, and let the Gospel sound (st. 3). Here may the listening crowd receive your truth, and Christians join the seraphim's song until all who seek you rejoice in your grace (st. 4).
Central theme: The King of Glory asked to dwell among his people in a new church through the sounding of the Gospel
Structure
Four six-line stanzas (6.6.6.6.8.8). Praise of the King and Zion (1); invitation to dwell (2); prayer, praise and Gospel (3); hearers and singers (4).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel throughout: 'How God can dwell with men below'; 'Now let Thy Word, the Gospel, sound'; 'Thy abounding grace' (2-4).
Confessional Connections
Gen 28:17 (TLH's text): 'This is none other than the house of God.' St. 2: 'How God can dwell with men below' is the incarnational wonder (John 1:14; Rev 21:3). Lutherans locate that dwelling in the Word and Sacraments (AC V, VII). St. 3: 'Now let Thy Word, the Gospel, sound' (Rom 10:17), since faith comes by hearing. St. 4: 'the listening throng / Receive Thy truth and love' joins the Church's song to the seraphim's 'Holy, holy, holy' (Isa 6:3), the Sanctus of the liturgy. The hymn ends on 'abounding grace' (Rom 5:20).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Church dedication; anniversary; general praise.
Historical Notes
Francis (1734-1799), Welsh Baptist minister at Horsley, Gloucestershire, wrote it in 1774 for the reopening of his enlarged meeting-house (verify).
About the Tune
DARWALL'S 148TH (John Darwall, 1770).
Scripture References
Gen 28:17 Ps 24:7-10 Ps 47:6-8 Ps 132:13-14 2 Chr 6:18 John 1:14 Rev 21:3 Ps 141:2 Rom 10:17 Rom 10:15 Acts 13:44 Isa 6:3 Rev 4:8 Rom 5:20 Ps 27:8
Stanza by Stanza
Praise the King of Glory in loud, lofty songs. He reigns over heaven and earth through everlasting days; but you, Zion, so richly blessed, are his delight and his chosen place of rest.
'Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory!' (Ps 24:10). 'God reigns over the nations' (Ps 47:8). 'The LORD has chosen Zion… This is my resting place forever' (Ps 132:13-14).
- Scripture
- Ps 24:7-10, Ps 47:6-8, Ps 132:13-14
- Imagery & language
- Exalted strains; King of Glory; reigns; Zion; chosen rest.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel: God's chosen dwelling.
- Connection to previous
- King of Glory.
King of Glory, come and crown this temple with your favor as your home and this people as your own. Under this roof, graciously show how God can live with people here below.
'Will God indeed dwell with man on the earth?' (2 Chr 6:18). 'The Word became flesh and dwelt among us' (John 1:14). 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man' (Rev 21:3).
- Scripture
- 2 Chr 6:18, John 1:14, Rev 21:3
- Imagery & language
- Come; favor; temple as home; people as own; God with men.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel: God dwelling with his people.
- Connection to previous
- God with men.
Now let your ear listen to our pleading cries; now let our praise rise, accepted, to the skies; now let your Word, the Gospel, sound and spread its heavenly blessing all around.
'Let my prayer be counted as incense before you' (Ps 141:2). 'Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ' (Rom 10:17). 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!' (Rom 10:15). AC V.
- Scripture
- Ps 141:2, Rom 10:17, Rom 10:15
- Imagery & language
- Ear attend; supplication; praise accepted; Gospel sounding; blessing.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel: the Word proclaimed.
- Connection to previous
- The Gospel sound.
Here may the listening crowd receive your truth and love; here may Christians join the song of the seraphim above, until all who humbly seek your face rejoice in your abundant grace.
'Almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord' (Acts 13:44). 'Holy, holy, holy' (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8). 'Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more' (Rom 5:20). 'You have said, Seek my face' (Ps 27:8).
- Scripture
- Acts 13:44, Isa 6:3, Rev 4:8, Rom 5:20, Ps 27:8
- Imagery & language
- Listening throng; truth and love; seraphim's song; seek Thy face; abounding grace.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel: grace abounding.
- Connection to previous
- Abounding grace.
Themes
God's majesty and glory Jacob's ladder vision Access to God Heavenly ascent Divine grace