Savior Sprinkle Many Nations
Savior, sprinkle many nations
Savior Sprinkle Many Nations is a hymn text by Johann Nicolai (1671) in 8.7.8.7 meter. Translated by August Crull. Found in tlh 510.
The hymn expresses the Lutheran commitment to the universal scope of Christ's redemption and the Church's missionary calling rooted in Christ's resurrection power. It reflects Lutheran theology of Gospel proclamation reaching all nations and peoples as fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
History & Background
Originally composed in German by Johann Nicolai in 1671 as 'Heiland, laß deine Gnade.' The English translation by August Crull appeared in Lutheran hymnals in the mid-20th century, becoming standard in American Lutheran worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 510
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Johann Nicolai in 1671, this hymn crystallizes Lutheran conviction that Christ's redemptive work—rooted in His resurrection—fulfills Old Testament prophecy and calls the Church to Gospel witness among all nations.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law's exposure of human division and the Gospel's proclamation of Christ's universal reconciliation, making it a powerful lens through which to preach the resurrection's power to unite all nations under one Lord.
Overview
A mission hymn whose first stanza is by Arthur Cleveland Coxe, Episcopal bishop of Western New York, written while he was visiting Oxford. Built on Isa 52:15 ('So shall he sprinkle many nations'). Let your sorrows bear fruit; draw the Gentiles by the story of the cross (st. 1); let all know you, true God and the Man slain for sinners (st. 2); the need is great — send the Spirit, strengthen preachers, lengthen Zion's cords (st. 3).
Central theme: Christ's sufferings bearing fruit among all nations through the preached story of the cross
Structure
Three eight-line stanzas (8.7.8.7 D). Sprinkle nations (1) — God and Man known (2) — preachers strengthened (3).
Law & Gospel Shape
Law: 'Dense the darkness of sin's night' (3). Gospel: 'Fruitful let Thy sorrows be'; 'the Man for sinners slain'; 'Love's pure flame' (1-3).
Confessional Connections
Isa 54:2 (TLH's text): 'Enlarge the place of your tent… lengthen your cords.' Isa 52:15, 'so shall he sprinkle many nations,' introduces the Suffering Servant song — the sprinkling of cleansing blood (Heb 12:24). St. 1: 'Fruitful let Thy sorrows be' — 'he shall see his offspring' (Isa 53:10-11). St. 2: 'Thee, the very God of heaven, / Thee, the Man for sinners slain' — the two natures in one Person, the Mediator (AC III; FC VIII; 1 Tim 2:5). St. 3: the Spirit brings salvation through the Word and preachers (AC V).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Missions; Epiphany; Lent.
Historical Notes
Coxe (1818-1896) wrote st. 1 in 1851 at Oxford on Good Friday (traditional). CCEL credits him with st. 1 only; st. 2-3 appear to be by other hands (verify).
About the Tune
O DU LIEBE MEINER LIEBE (Musikalischer Christenschatz, Basel, 1745).
Scripture References
Isa 52:15 Isa 53:11 John 12:32 1 Cor 1:18 John 17:3 1 Tim 2:5 John 1:1 Rom 10:15 Isa 54:2 John 10:16
Stanza by Stanza
Savior, sprinkle many nations; let your sorrows bear fruit; by your pains and comforts draw the Gentiles to you. Let the wonderful story of your cross be told to the nations; let them see you in your glory and your many-sided mercy.
'So shall he sprinkle many nations' (Isa 52:15). 'He shall see his offspring… out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied' (Isa 53:10-11). 'When I am lifted up… I will draw all people to myself' (John 12:32).
- Scripture
- Isa 52:15, Isa 53:11, John 12:32, 1 Cor 1:18
- Imagery & language
- Sprinkle nations; fruitful sorrows; Gentiles drawn; story of the cross.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the cross draws.
- Connection to previous
- Sprinkle nations.
Let all mortals be given to know you and gain life — you, the very God of heaven, you, the Man slain for sinners. Speak hope to every mortal through the sweet and blessed Gospel; lead them through your kingdom's door to eternal peace and rest.
'This is eternal life, that they know you… and Jesus Christ' (John 17:3). 'One mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus' (1 Tim 2:5).
- Scripture
- John 17:3, 1 Tim 2:5, John 1:1, John 10:9
- Imagery & language
- Know Thee; life; very God; Man slain; Gospel hope.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — God and Man for sinners.
- Connection to previous
- God and Man.
The need in every nation is great; the darkness of sin's night is thick. Let your Spirit bring salvation, love's pure flame and wisdom's light. Give the Word, strengthen your preachers with the prophets' power of old, help them lengthen Zion's cords and gather all your wandering sheep.
'Lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes' (Isa 54:2). 'I have other sheep… I must bring them also' (John 10:16).
- Scripture
- Isa 54:2, John 10:16, Rom 10:15
- Imagery & language
- Great need; sin's night; Spirit; preachers; Zion's cords; wandering sheep.
- Law / Gospel
- Law — darkness; Gospel — Spirit and Word.
- Connection to previous
- Zion's cords.
Themes
Mission and evangelism Christ's universal salvation The Great Commission Gospel outreach