Hear Us, O People, Hear Our Plea

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Hear us, O people, hear our plea

Versifier: Calvin Seerveld (1984)
Tune: WARRINGTON
Published in 1 hymnal

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: MIDI

Instrumental
	Cello Solos for Worship (Arranged with K…

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Versifier: Calvin Seerveld

Calvin Seerveld (b. 1930) was professor of aesthetics at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto from 1972 until he retired in 1995. Educated at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan; the University of Michigan; and the Free University of Amsterdam (Ph.D.), he also studied at Basel University in Switzerland, the University of Rome, and the University of Heidelberg. Seerveld began his career by teaching at Bellhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi (1958-1959), and at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois (1959-1972). A fine Christian scholar, fluent in various biblical and modern languages, he is published widely in aesthetics, biblical studies, and philosophy. His books include Take Hold of God and Pull (1966), The Gr… Go to person page >

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First Line:	Hear us, O people, hear our plea
Title:	Hear Us, O People, Hear Our Plea
Versifier:	Calvin Seerveld (1984)
Meter:	8.8.8.8
Language:	English
Copyright:	© Calvin Seerveld

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Notes

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Song of Songs 2:7, Song of Songs 3:5, Song of Songs 8:4
st. 2 = Song of Songs 8:6
st. 3 = Song of Songs 8:7
st. 4 = Song of Songs 2:7, Song of Songs 3:5, Song of Songs 8:4

"Hear Us, O People" focuses on two of the main themes of the Song of Songs: that love should not be awakened until it is ready, and that love cannot be bought. The first is a recurring refrain in the Song-2:7; 3:5; 8:4–and is captured in stanzas 1 and 4. The second theme is the vow of true love the lovers exchange in 8:6-7–captured in stanzas 2 and 3.

Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) wrote this paraphrase in 1984 for use at a wedding of friends. In addition to scholarly work on this book, Seerveld earlier wrote the libretto for an oratorio on the Song of Songs entitled The Greatest Song: In Critique of Solomon (1967; rev. 1989).

Liturgical Use:
Whenever preaching focuses on the Song of Songs; more common use will be at weddings or in services that focus on marriage, anniversaries, or marriage renewal.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

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Tune

WARRINGTON

WARRINGTON was composed by Ralph Harrison (b. Chinley, Derbyshire, England, 1748; d. Manchester, Lancashire, England, 1810) and published in his collection of psalm tunes, Sacred Harmony (1784). The tune's rising inflections help to accent words such as erotic (probably the only time this word has b…

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