Where Wilt Thou Go Since Night Draws Near
Where wilt thou go since night draws near
Where Wilt Thou Go Since Night Draws Near is a hymn text by Nicolai Selnecker (1572) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by composite English translation. Found in ELH 578, lw 374, tlh 197. Sung to PASSION CHORALE.
The hymn explores the theme of Christ's passion through the lens of the Emmaus disciples, emphasizing the comfort of Christ's abiding presence with believers. It reflects Lutheran theology of law and gospel, moving from human need (night drawing near) to the consolation found in Christ's fellowship.
History & Background
Originally composed in German by Nicolai Selnecker in the late 16th century as part of passion hymnody during the Lutheran Reformation. The text reflects on the Emmaus narrative and appears in various English translations in Lutheran hymnals from the 19th century onward.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 578
- Lutheran Worship — 374
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 197
Translation
Bulletin Note
Nicolai Selnecker's 1572 hymn reflects the Emmaus narrative, grounding Lutheran theology of Christ's real presence in the comfort of his fellowship with anxious believers during Lent and beyond.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the law-gospel movement: from spiritual homelessness and the gathering darkness of sin, to the gospel's astonishing answer—Christ himself as our companion and host at the table of grace.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological meditation moving from Christ's suffering, to personal appropriation of redemption, to grateful response, to covenantal commitment
Overview
Another Emmaus hymn, more intimate than TLH 194. The singer addresses Jesus as a 'Pilgrim dear' about to go on and begs him to be a guest and rest in the heart (st. 1-2); the day is spent, night falls — 'Abide with me, Thou heavenly Light' (st. 3); keep me from straying in sin's night (st. 4); and at death, help me die in peace: 'Abide! I will not let Thee go. Thou wilt not leave me, Lord, I know' (st. 5) — Jacob at the Jabbok joined to the Emmaus prayer.
Central theme: Begging the Pilgrim Christ to stay as guest in the heart through the night of sin and death
Structure
Five long-meter quatrains. Where wilt Thou go? (1) — welcome Guest (2) — night falls (3) — not misled (4) — death and holding on (5).
Law & Gospel Shape
Law: 'night of sin'; danger of straying (4). Gospel: Christ as Light and Guest; 'Thou wilt not leave me' (3, 5).
Confessional Connections
Luke 24:29 (TLH's text). 'Make your home with him' (John 14:23) — the indwelling of Christ through Word and faith (FC III.65 on the indwelling of God in believers, which follows justification). St. 4: Christ as Light keeping us from error — the Word is a lamp (Ps 119:105). St. 5: 'I will not let Thee go' — Jacob's 'I will not let you go unless you bless me' (Gen 32:26), faith's holy stubbornness grounded in the promise 'Thou wilt not leave me' (Heb 13:5); the believer clings to Christ, but rests on his holding.
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Easter Monday / Easter evening; evening devotions; dying.
Historical Notes
The anonymous German text dates from 1674; TLH dates Crull's translation 1923.
About the Tune
ACH BLEIB BEI UNS (Geistliche Lieder, Leipzig, 1589) — the 'Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide' tune.
Scripture References
Luke 24:28-29 John 14:23 Rev 3:20 John 8:12 Ps 119:105 Ps 25:4-5 John 10:28 Luke 2:29 Gen 32:26 Heb 13:5 Matt 28:20
Stanza by Stanza
Where will you go now that night is coming, Jesus Christ, dear Pilgrim? Lord, make me happy: be my Guest, and graciously rest in my heart.
'He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly' (Luke 24:28-29). 'We will come to him and make our home with him' (John 14:23).
- Scripture
- Luke 24:28-29, John 14:23
- Imagery & language
- Night; Pilgrim; Guest.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — Christ invited.
- Connection to previous
- The Pilgrim.
Grant my request, dearest Friend, for I truly mean well; you know you are always a welcome Guest in my heart.
'I stand at the door and knock' (Rev 3:20). 'You know everything; you know that I love you' (John 21:17).
- Scripture
- Rev 3:20, John 21:17, John 15:15
- Imagery & language
- Friend; welcome Guest.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — fellowship.
- Connection to previous
- Welcome Guest.
The day is now far spent; night's shadows come quickly. Stay with me, heavenly Light, and do not leave me in this night.
'The day is now far spent' (Luke 24:29). 'I am the light of the world' (John 8:12).
- Scripture
- Luke 24:29, John 8:12
- Imagery & language
- Day spent; shades of night; heavenly Light.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — Christ the Light.
- Connection to previous
- Night falls.
Enlighten me so that I do not stray from the way that leads to heaven and am never misled, though the night of sin is spread around me.
'Your word is a lamp to my feet' (Ps 119:105). 'Make me to know your ways' (Ps 25:4-5). Protection from error (2 Tim 3:13-15).
- Scripture
- Ps 119:105, Ps 25:4-5, 2 Tim 3:13-15
- Imagery & language
- Enlightened; way to heaven; night of sin.
- Law / Gospel
- Law — sin's night; Gospel — guidance.
- Connection to previous
- Not misled.
And when I lie on my deathbed, help me die in peace. Stay! I will not let you go. You will not leave me, Lord, I know.
'Now you are letting your servant depart in peace' (Luke 2:29). Jacob: 'I will not let you go unless you bless me' (Gen 32:26). 'I will never leave you' (Heb 13:5); 'no one will snatch them out of my hand' (John 10:28).
- Scripture
- Luke 2:29, Gen 32:26, Heb 13:5, John 10:28
- Imagery & language
- Death-bed; 'I will not let Thee go.'
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — Christ's faithfulness at death.
- Connection to previous
- Holding on.
Themes
Christ's passion Evening prayer Discipleship Emmaus disciples Trust in Christ