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O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth

O God, O Lord of heaven and earth

O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth is a hymn text by Martin H. Behm (1610) in 8.7.8.7.8.8.7 meter. Translated by Gracia Grindal. Found in CW21 571, CW93 400, elw 715, lbw 396. Sung to GOTTES SOHN IST KOMMEN.

This hymn exemplifies Lutheran Christology by presenting Christ as the eternal Word through whom all creation exists and continues, connecting incarnational theology with cosmological significance. It reflects the Lutheran emphasis on God's active presence in creation and redemption through the person of Christ.

History & Background

Martin H. Behm's German hymn was published in the early 17th century as part of Lutheran devotional hymnody emphasizing Christ as the creative Word. Gracia Grindal's English translation appeared in the 1983 Lutheran Book of Worship, making this theological treasure accessible to English-speaking congregations.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 571
  • Christian Worship — 400
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 715
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 396
  • Lutheran Service Book — 834
  • Lutheran Worship — 319

Translation

Gracia Grindal

Bulletin Note

Composed by Martin H. Behm in 1610, this hymn exemplifies Lutheran Christology by uniting creation theology with incarnational grace, affirming God's active presence through the eternal Word made flesh.

Preaching Connection

This hymn deepens the proclamation of Christ's cosmic lordship: the same Word who executes God's judgment over creation (Law) has entered history to save sinners through incarnate grace (Gospel).

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's first advent in grace → bestowal of saving grace → Christ's second advent in judgment → urgent call to repentance and welcome

Background Research

AI-assisted draft This background note was researched with AI from published hymnal sources and has not yet been checked line by line. Please verify details such as dates before relying on them.

LSB 834 (Hymn of the Day for Proper 6 and Epiphany 7, all years, and the Conversion of St. Paul). Martin H. Franzmann (1907–1976), called to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1946, in its exegetical department from 1955, known for his commentaries on Romans and Revelation and his defence of biblical inspiration; five of his hymns and one translation are in LSB. Written for the 450th anniversary of the Reformation (1967). The study points to its strong images: the 'living finger' of creation (compare Michelangelo's Creation of Adam), God breathing 'our poisoned air' to win us back (sts. 3–4), and the heavenly doxology of Rev 5:12–13 sung even in 'these grey and latter days'. DATA NOTE: Hymn Desk groups this text with TLH 443 ('O Lord of Heaven and Earth and Sea', Wordsworth) under hymn_id 457 because they share a tune; they are different hymns.

Sources: LCMS Worship, The Word in Song: Hymn of the Day Studies (Paul F. Becker).

In the Church Year

Hymn of the Day (Lutheran Service Book) for: Proper 6; Epiphany 7; Conversion of St. Paul

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Trinity 8 (3×)
  • Holy Trinity (1×)
  • Lent 5 (1×)
  • Presentation of Our Lord (1×)
  • St. Mark (1×)
  • Trinity 17 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Proper 6 (6×)
  • Epiphany 7 (2×)
  • Pentecost (2×)
  • Proper 22 (1×)
  • Reformation (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

God's creative power The Incarnation Christ the Word Divine majesty Creation and redemption

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