Balthasar Behm
1557–1622 · Germany · Reformation
Balthasar Behm (1557–1622) was a German Lutheran pastor and hymn writer who made significant contributions to Christian hymnody during the early Baroque period. Active in the tradition of German Protestant devotional literature, Behm composed numerous hymn texts that emphasized personal piety, trust in God's promises, and intimate spiritual experience. His works reflected the theological concerns of Lutheran Protestantism while employing accessible language designed to strengthen the faith of ordinary congregants. Though less widely remembered than some contemporaries, Behm's hymns exemplified the shift toward subjective religious experience characteristic of early modern German Protestantism. His contributions helped establish the foundation for the rich German chorale tradition that would flourish throughout the 17th century.
Hymn Texts (50)
- Isaiah in a Vision Did of Old
- O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild
- Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit
- Before Thee God Who Knowest All
- Come Oh Come O Quickening Spirit
- Farewell I Gladly Bid Thee
- God Brought Me to this Time and Place
- Grant Holy Ghost that We Behold
- Here in Thy Name Eternal God
- How Can I Thank Thee Lord
- I Am Content! My Jesus Lives Again
- I Pray You Dear Lord Jesus
- In God, My Faithful God
- In You Lord I have Put My Trust
- Let All Together Praise Our God
- Lo God to Heaven Ascendeth
- My Maker Now be Nigh
- Now Lay We Calmly in the Grave
- Now Let All Loudly Sing Praise
- Now Let Us Come Before Him
- O Blessed Day When First was Poured
- O Jesus Christ May Grateful Hymns be Rising
- O Lord Our Father Thanks and Praise
- O Lord Our Father Thanks to Thee
- O People Rise and Labor
- Out of the Deep I Call
- Rise Again Ye Lion-Hearted
- To Thee, Our God, We Fly
- What Is the World to Me
- When Afflictions Sore Oppress You
- When Israel Through the Desert Passed
- When My Last Hour Is Close at Hand
- When o'er My Sins I Sorrow
- You Will I Love My Strength
- Your Heart, O God, is Grieved
- In the Very Midst of Life
- Alas My God My Sins Are Great
- All My Heart Sings and Rejoices
- All My Heart This Night Rejoices
- Awake, My Heart, with Gladness
- Away from Us! the Demon Cried
- Be Not Dismayed Thou Little Flock
- Bow Down Your Ear Almighty Lord
- Christians Sing Out with Exultation
- Cold December Flies Away
- Come O Come Thou Quickening Spirit
- Come Oh Come Thou Quickening Spirit
- Dear Lord to Thy True Servants Give
- Fear and Love Thy God and Lord
- From God can Nothing Move Me