The Stars Declare His Glory
The stars declare his glory
The hymn embodies the Lutheran doctrine of God's two-fold revelation through creation (natural revelation) and Scripture, teaching that creation itself testifies to God's glory without requiring special revelation. It reflects the Lutheran emphasis on the goodness of creation and invites believers to recognize divine majesty in observable nature.
History & Background
Originally composed in German as 'Die Sterne künden Gottes Ruhm' by Heinz Werner Zimmermann in the mid-20th century. The English text entered Lutheran hymnals through adaptation and has been included in major Lutheran hymnals since the 1960s.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 841
- Lutheran Service Book — 410
- Lutheran Worship — 542
Translation
Catherine Winkworth (adapted by others)
Bulletin Note
Composed by German hymnist Heinz Werner Zimmermann in 1941, this hymn reflects Lutheran theology of natural revelation—that creation itself proclaims God's glory alongside Scripture. A modern recovery of ancient psalmody.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran conviction that creation testifies faithfully to God's glory, making human refusal to acknowledge that witness a matter of both Law and Gospel—condemning our blindness while inviting us to renewed sight through faith.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (God's majesty and power) → Gospel (grateful response and humble adoration); movement from divine transcendence to human participation in praise
Themes
God's creation Natural revelation Divine glory Praise of creatures God's majesty