To Thee, Our God, We Fly
To Thee, our God, we fly
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran understanding of God's dual character as both just and merciful, drawing directly from the Exodus theophany where God reveals His name and nature. It expresses the evangelical confidence that despite human sinfulness, God's mercy endures eternally for those who repent and seek His face.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn early in the 17th century as an expression of penitential trust in God's merciful nature. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863, and it has remained a standard Lutheran hymn of repentance and divine mercy.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 315
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 580
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1602) drew this hymn from Exodus 34, where God reveals Himself as both just and merciful. It remains a touchstone of Lutheran spirituality: sinners fly to the God who judges and pardons.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the dual movement of Law and Gospel: it names human sinfulness before God's justice, then proclaims with evangelical certainty that mercy awaits all who repent and trust in God's revealed name.
Themes
Divine mercy Repentance God's compassion Forgiveness Trust in God