Isaiah in a Vision Did of Old
Isaiah in a vision did of old
The hymn elevates the vision of God's holiness and the heavenly throne as central to understanding God's majesty and righteous rule. It connects Old Testament prophecy with Lutheran confession of God's transcendent glory and the proper response of human worship.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn in the early 17th century based on Isaiah 6. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863 for her influential collection of Lutheran hymns.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 868
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 528
- Lutheran Service Book — 960
- Lutheran Worship — 214
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 249
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1600) grounds this hymn in Isaiah 6's throne vision, connecting Old Testament prophecy to Lutheran understanding of God's transcendent glory. The hymn teaches us to approach the Almighty with reverent awe and transformed hearts.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Law-Gospel movement: God's fearful transcendence and righteous judgment confront us in Isaiah's vision, yet the seraphim's proclamation of sanctification anticipates the mercy that flows from the cross and reshapes us for faithful worship.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's Lenten self-denial models our repentance; His victory over Satan empowers our spiritual triumph; His presence sustains us through suffering toward Easter joy and eternal paradise.
Themes
God's holiness and majesty The heavenly vision Seraphim worship God's transcendence