There Many Shall Come from the East
There many shall come from the east and the west
This hymn expounds Matthew 8:11's promise of the eschatological banquet, celebrating God's inclusive grace extended to all nations through the Gospel. It reflects Lutheran teaching on justification by faith alone, emphasizing that salvation comes through belief in Christ rather than ethnic or social status.
History & Background
Samuel Rodigast composed this German hymn in 1675 as part of his hymnic output during the Lutheran Reformation era in Germany. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863 for her influential collection, making it accessible to English-speaking Lutheran congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 313
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 313
- Lutheran Service Book — 510
- Lutheran Worship — 464
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 415
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by German Lutheran pastor Samuel Rodigast (1675), this hymn echoes the Reformation's radical claim: salvation belongs to believers everywhere, not to institutions or bloodlines. It sings the catholicity of grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms Matthew 8:11's promise into lived proclamation, showing how the Law exposes our tribal exclusions while the Gospel announces that justification by faith—not birthright or status—gathers the whole redeemed creation to God's table.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
God's inclusive grace Kingdom of God Justification by faith Final judgment Gospel universality