Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord
Let the earth now praise the Lord
The hymn expresses the incarnational and sacramental theology central to Lutheranism by calling all creation to praise, reflecting God's redemptive purposes. It demonstrates Lutheran catechetical instruction through its accessible paraphrase of Scripture and its invitation to cosmic participation in divine worship.
History & Background
Christoph Behm paraphrased Psalm 148 into German as 'Lasset den Herren gelten' around 1648, published in German hymnals of the 17th century. William M. Czamanske translated it into English for The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) and it has remained a staple of Lutheran worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 822
- Lutheran Service Book — 352
- Lutheran Worship — 33
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 91
Translation
Bulletin Note
Christoph Behm's 1648 paraphrase of Psalm 148 reflects Lutheran sacramental theology: all creation participates in God's redemptive purposes. The German tune LASSET DEN HERREN ('Let the Lord') has carried this text through centuries of both joyful feasts and quiet devotion.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Gospel's cosmic reach: Christ's incarnation and resurrection invite not just human repentance but the restoration and jubilation of all creation, transforming Law's demand into Gospel's liberating summons to praise.
Themes
Creation's praise to God Universal worship God's glory in creation Christ's redemption Liturgical celebration