Oh Sing with Exultation
Oh sing with exultation
Oh Sing with Exultation is a hymn text by Johann Gramann (1530) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by composite English translation. Found in luyh 99, lw 385, tlh 217. Sung to MIT FREUDEN ZART.
The hymn embodies Lutheran confidence in Christ's redemptive work and the assurance of salvation through faith. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on joyful trust in Christ's victory over sin and death.
History & Background
Written by Johann Gramann in the early German Reformation period, this hymn expresses jubilant faith in Christ's victory. It was included in early Lutheran hymnals and translated into English for use in American Lutheran worship traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 99
- Lutheran Worship — 385
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 217
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Johann Gramann in 1530, this early Reformation hymn embodies the joyful confidence that marked Luther's recovery of Gospel grace. Its exuberant melody reflects the liberated joy of faith alone.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes Lutheran assurance: the Gospel does not demand our exultation—it frees us to exult because Christ's redemptive work is complete and certain.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Ascription of praise to God's sovereign power and love, followed by personal testimony of healing and sanctification, culminating in lifelong grateful service
Overview
A Danish paraphrase of Psalm 118, the Easter psalm, by Anders Arrebo, sung in TLH for Ascension. Shout for joy in the congregation: Christ sits at God's right hand, death and hell defeated (st. 1; Ps 118:15-16); since he lives, we shall not die, though we be chastened and buried (st. 2; Ps 118:17-18); the rejected stone is the cornerstone, 'the work of God alone' (st. 3; Ps 118:22-23); glory to him who came in the Lord's name (st. 4; Ps 118:26).
Central theme: Psalm 118 fulfilled in the exalted Christ: right hand of power, life out of death, rejected stone made cornerstone
Structure
Four eight-line stanzas (7.6.7.6.6.7.7.6) following Ps 118 in order. Right hand (1) — not die but live (2) — cornerstone (3) — blessed is he who comes (4).
Law & Gospel Shape
Law: chastening; the grave (2). Gospel: death and hell defeated; 'We unto life shall waken'; 'the work of God alone' (1-3).
Confessional Connections
Ps 118:15-16 (TLH's text): 'the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.' Christ 'at God's right hand' — not a location but the exercise of God's almighty power, in which Christ's human nature shares (FC VIII.28; SD VIII.28). St. 2: 'Because I live, you also will live' (John 14:19). St. 3: the cornerstone 'the work of God alone' (Ps 118:23) — salvation and the founding of the Church are God's doing, not ours (AC VII; monergism, FC II).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Ascension; Easter season (Ps 118 is the Easter psalm).
Historical Notes
Arrebo (1587-1637), Danish bishop of Trondheim and pioneering Danish poet, published his Psalter paraphrase in 1623. Døving (1867-1937), Norwegian-American pastor, translated it in 1907.
About the Tune
AUS MEINES HERZENS GRUNDE (Neu Catechismus-Gesangbüchlein, Hamburg, 1598).
Scripture References
Ps 118:15-16 Ps 118:17-18 Ps 118:22-23 Ps 118:26 Eph 1:20-22 John 14:19 Heb 12:6 1 Cor 15:22 Matt 21:42 Acts 4:11-12 1 Pet 2:4-7 Eph 2:20 Matt 21:9
Stanza by Stanza
Sing joyfully, sing to the Lord, rejoice, and shout with a triumphant voice in his congregation. For see, Christ is seated in glory at God's right hand; with death and hell defeated, he rules as Victor.
'Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD does valiantly' (Ps 118:15). 'Seated him at his right hand… far above all rule' (Eph 1:20-22).
- Scripture
- Ps 118:15-16, Eph 1:20-22
- Imagery & language
- Exultation; right hand; Victor.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — Christ enthroned.
- Connection to previous
- Right hand.
Since Christ our Lord lives, we will never die; giving glory to God, we rise to him on high. Though we may be disciplined and taken to our graves, we will wake to life and live forever.
'I shall not die, but I shall live… The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death' (Ps 118:17-18). 'Because I live, you also will live' (John 14:19). 'In Christ shall all be made alive' (1 Cor 15:22).
- Scripture
- Ps 118:17-18, John 14:19, Heb 12:6, 1 Cor 15:22
- Imagery & language
- Christ living; chastened; graves; waking.
- Law / Gospel
- Law — chastening and death; Gospel — life.
- Connection to previous
- We shall live.
Christ is the sure Foundation the builders rejected, but for our salvation he is precious and chosen and has been made the Cornerstone on which the Church is founded. This marvel is now proclaimed — the work of God alone.
'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes' (Ps 118:22-23; Matt 21:42; Acts 4:11). 'Chosen and precious' (1 Pet 2:4-7). The Church built on Christ (Eph 2:20).
- Scripture
- Ps 118:22-23, Matt 21:42, Acts 4:11-12, 1 Pet 2:4-7, Eph 2:20
- Imagery & language
- Rejected stone; cornerstone; God's work.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — God's work alone.
- Connection to previous
- Cornerstone.
Glory to you, Christ, who came in the Lord's name! Your people sing the story to proclaim your praise. We thank and adore you, Christ, our Lord and Savior; your grace and boundless favor stand firm forever.
'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD' (Ps 118:26; Matt 21:9) — sung in the Sanctus. 'His steadfast love endures forever' (Ps 118:29).
- Scripture
- Ps 118:26, Matt 21:9, Ps 118:29
- Imagery & language
- Came in His name; grace forever.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — enduring grace.
- Connection to previous
- Blessed is He.
Themes
Resurrection joy Exultation in Christ Redemption Victory over death