Our Blessed Savior Seven Times Spoke
Our blessed Savior seven times spoke
Our Blessed Savior Seven Times Spoke is a hymn text by Unknown (1800) in 8.8.8.8 meter. Found in lw 108, tlh 177. Sung to JESUS CHRISTUS, UNSER HEILAND.
The hymn concentrates the passion narrative into Christ's seven utterances, each revealing aspects of His redemptive work and intercession for humanity. This reflects Lutheran emphasis on Christ's vicarious satisfaction and the efficacy of His suffering for human salvation.
History & Background
This hymn meditated on the seven last words of Christ from the cross, a traditional Lenten devotional theme in Lutheran piety. It appears in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 177, reflecting nineteenth-century German chorale tradition.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 108
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 177
Bulletin Note
An 1800s anonymous chorale that weaves together all seven of Christ's utterances on the cross. This devotional technique—concentrating Scripture into poetic meditation—shaped Lutheran piety during Lent for generations.
Preaching Connection
This hymn provides a liturgical framework for preaching Law and Gospel through Christ's cross-words, allowing each utterance to demonstrate how mercy and substitution answer human sin and despair.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ as fulfillment of law and source of grace; from petition for mercy through faith to healing and resurrection glory
Background Research
Johann Böschenstein (1472–1540), 'Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund': an opening stanza, seven stanzas on the Seven Last Words from the cross, and a closing meditation (Wikipedia). It was printed in 1537; TLH's 'c. 1515' may reflect earlier manuscript circulation (unconfirmed). From memory, not checked: Böschenstein was among the first Hebrew teachers in Germany; he taught Hebrew briefly at Wittenberg in 1518 (Melanchthon and possibly Luther among his students) and also in Zurich, Zwingli's circle. Schütz used its first and last stanzas to frame his 'Die sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz' (c. 1645). Bach: Orgelbüchlein BWV 621. The tune (Zahn 1706) is old; the Wikipedia header's 'Genevan Psalter' note is probably mistaken (it is the c. 1495 tune Reusner first used for TLH 524). Frances Cox's English 1841, altered. A natural Good Friday hymn alongside Pollock's Seven Words litany (TLH 180).
Sources: Wikipedia 'Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund'.
Overview
A pre-Reformation German hymn on the Seven Words from the Cross by Johann Böschenstein, a Hebrew scholar who taught briefly at Wittenberg. After an introduction (st. 1), each stanza quotes one Word and turns it into prayer: forgiveness for our ignorant sins (st. 2); paradise for us too (st. 3); care for those we leave behind (st. 4); rescue from damnation by his thirst for our salvation (st. 5); his forsakenness so we may be received (st. 6); 'It is finished' and our work done with his blessing (st. 7); a dying commendation like his (st. 8). It closes with comfort for the burdened conscience (st. 9) and a prayer always to ponder his wounds (st. 10). A classic Good Friday devotion.
Central theme: The Seven Words from the Cross, each received as Gospel and prayer for the believer's life and death
Structure
Ten five-line stanzas (8.8.7.8.7). Introduction (1) — the Seven Words in Gospel-harmony order (2-8) — application to the troubled conscience (9) — closing prayer (10).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel throughout, with honest Law: 'we, too, have through ignorance offended' (2); 'that we escape damnation' (5); 'by sense of sin opprest' (9).
Confessional Connections
Christ forsaken 'that we might be received on high' (st. 6) — the vicarious bearing of God's wrath (Gal 3:13; 2 Cor 5:21; FC III, his passive obedience). 'It is finished' (st. 7) — the complete satisfaction (AC III). Christ's care for his mother — the Fourth Commandment honored even on the cross (LC I.105ff). St. 9: meditating on the Passion gives 'a peaceful conscience' — the Gospel comforts the terrified conscience (Ap IV, XII). St. 7's prayer that we fulfil the 'work Thou dost impose' — vocation done in Christ's blessing (AC XVI).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Good Friday (especially a Tre Ore service on the Seven Words); Lent.
Historical Notes
Böschenstein (1472-c. 1539/40) was among the first teachers of Hebrew in Germany and taught briefly at Wittenberg (1518). His hymn dates from about 1515. Cox (1812-1897) translated German hymns.
About the Tune
DA JESUS AN DES KREUZES (German melody; TLH c. 1400).
Scripture References
Heb 5:7 Luke 23:34 Luke 23:43 John 19:26-27 John 19:28 Matt 27:46 Mark 15:34 Ps 22:1 John 19:30 Luke 23:46 Ps 31:5 Gal 3:13 2 Cor 5:21 Isa 53:5 Gal 6:14
Stanza by Stanza
Our blessed Savior spoke seven times when he took our sins on the cross and died so that man would not perish. Let us cherish in memory his last and dying words.
Heb 5:7 (TLH's text): 'In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears.' 'Our sins He took' (Isa 53:6; 1 Pet 2:24). 'Lest man should perish' (John 3:16).
- Scripture
- Heb 5:7, Isa 53:6, 1 Pet 2:24, John 3:16
- Imagery & language
- Seven words; sins taken.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — introduction.
- Connection to previous
- Introduction.
'Father, forgive them, for they truly do not know what they are doing.' His love reached that far. Forgive us, Lord, for we too have sinned through ignorance.
Luke 23:34. Christ's first word is intercession for his executioners — love for enemies. The singer joins the crucifiers: 'we, too.'
- Scripture
- Luke 23:34, Isa 53:12, Rom 5:8
- Imagery & language
- First word: forgiveness.
- Law / Gospel
- Law — our sin; Gospel — his intercession.
- Connection to previous
- First Word.
Now he calls to the repentant thief: 'Truly, you will be with me in paradise before tomorrow.' Lord, take us soon to your kingdom, who linger here in sorrow.
Luke 23:43. Grace to the dying sinner without works. The prayer for a blessed end (SC Seventh Petition).
- Scripture
- Luke 23:39-43, Phil 1:23
- Imagery & language
- Second word: paradise.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — paradise promised.
- Connection to previous
- Second Word.
Hear him say to weeping Mary standing by, 'Behold your son!' and to John, 'Behold your mother!' Lord, provide for those we leave behind; let them befriend one another.
John 19:26-27. Christ honors his mother and provides for her — the Fourth Commandment kept on the cross. A prayer for our survivors.
- Scripture
- John 19:25-27, Exod 20:12, 1 Tim 5:8
- Imagery & language
- Third word: Mary and John.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — care for loved ones.
- Connection to previous
- Third Word.
The Savior's fourth word was 'I thirst!' Mighty Prince of Life, your thirst for us and our salvation is truly great; help us, then, to escape damnation.
John 19:28. His bodily thirst is read as thirst for our salvation. 'Prince of Life' (Acts 3:15).
- Scripture
- John 19:28, Ps 22:15, Acts 3:15
- Imagery & language
- Fourth word: thirst.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — his desire to save.
- Connection to previous
- Fourth Word.
The fifth: 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' Listen to that terrible cry! Lord, you were forsaken here so that we might be received on high; let this hope not be shaken.
Matt 27:46; Ps 22:1. The heart of the atonement: Christ forsaken in our place (Gal 3:13; 2 Cor 5:21) so that we are received. ('Awe-full' is TLH's spelling.)
- Scripture
- Matt 27:46, Mark 15:34, Ps 22:1, Gal 3:13, 2 Cor 5:21
- Imagery & language
- Fifth word: forsaken.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — forsaken for us.
- Connection to previous
- Fifth Word.
The sixth, when the victory was won: 'It is finished!' — for your work was done. Grant, Lord, that pressing on we may fulfil, with your own blessing, the work you give us.
John 19:30. 'Finished' — his work complete; nothing to add (Heb 10:14). Our 'work' is vocation, not satisfaction (AC XVI; Eph 2:10).
- Scripture
- John 19:30, Heb 10:14, Eph 2:10, Phil 3:14
- Imagery & language
- Sixth word: finished.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — finished work; our vocation.
- Connection to previous
- Sixth Word.
The last, as sorrow and suffering end: 'O God, my Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.' Dear Lord, let this be my dying wish; heavenly Father, hear it.
Luke 23:46; Ps 31:5. Christ's last word becomes the Christian's last prayer (cf. Luther's Evening Prayer: 'into Your hands I commend myself').
- Scripture
- Luke 23:46, Ps 31:5, Acts 7:59
- Imagery & language
- Seventh word: commendation.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — dying in God's hands.
- Connection to previous
- Seventh Word.
Whoever is weighed down by a sense of sin and rests his thoughts on these words gains joy and hope, and through God's love and boundless grace gains a peaceful conscience.
The Passion meditated on as Gospel for the troubled conscience (Ap XII: consolation of terrified consciences). Peace (Rom 5:1).
- Scripture
- Rom 5:1, Heb 9:14, Matt 11:28
- Imagery & language
- Oppressed by sin; peaceful conscience.
- Law / Gospel
- Law — sense of sin; Gospel — peace.
- Connection to previous
- Peaceful conscience.
Jesus Christ, you who were crucified and died for our sins, grant that we may always ponder your wounds, your cross and your bitter death, both here and hereafter.
'Far be it from me to boast except in the cross' (Gal 6:14). The Lamb 'as though slain' remains the center in heaven (Rev 5:6).
- Scripture
- Gal 6:14, Isa 53:5, Rev 5:6
- Imagery & language
- Wounds; cross; bitter death.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — meditation on the cross.
- Connection to previous
- Ponder His cross.
Themes
Christ's passion Last words from the cross Redemptive suffering Penitence