
1 Christ shall have dominion over land and sea,
earth's remotest regions shall his empire be;
they that wilds inhabit shall their worship bring,
kings shall render tribute, nations serve our King.
Refrain:
Christ shall have dominion over land and sea,
earth's remotest regions shall his empire be.
2 When the needy seek him, he will mercy show;
yea, the weak and helpless shall his pity know;
he will surely save them from oppression's might,
for their lives are precious in his holy sight. [Refrain]
3 Ever and forever shall his name endure;
long as suns continue it shall stand secure;
and in him forever all men shall be blest,
and all nations hail him King of kings confessed. [Refrain]
4 Unto God Almighty joyful Zion sings;
he alone is glorious, doing wondrous things.
Evermore, ye people, bless his glorious name,
his eternal glory through the earth proclaim. [Refrain]
Source: Trinity Psalter Hymnal #421
First Line: | Christ shall have dominion |
Title: | Christ Shall Have Dominion |
Meter: | 6.5.6.5 D with refrain |
Language: | English |
Refrain First Line: | Christ shall have dominion |
Copyright: | Public Domain |
Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 72:8-11
st. 2 = Ps. 72:12-14
st. 3 = Ps. 72:15-17
st. 4 = Ps. 72:18-19
Found in the 1912 Psalter and in every edition of the Psalter Hymnal, this mission hymn is based on Psalm 72:8-19 (for comments on Psalm 72 see PHH 72).
The paraphrase in New Testament language proclaims the worldwide rule of Christ over all peoples and kingdoms (st. 1, vv. 8-11); his saving mercy to the needy and oppressed (st. 2, vv. 12-14); and the blessings of his endless reign (st. 3, vv. 15-17). The final stanza is a doxology (originally the doxology that ended Book II of the psalms; see Psalm 72:19). This beloved royal psalm has several settings in the Psalter Hymnal (72, 359,412, and 630).
Liturgical Use:
This great messianic psalm is appropriate for Advent, Epiphany, and Ascension; useful in missions services, ecumenical gatherings, and church festivals such as Worldwide Communion, All Nations Sunday, and All Saints Day or Reformation.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1988