Hymn 780: There Is A Land Of Pure Delight


Verse 1

There is a land of pure delight

Where saints immortal reign,

Infinite day excludes the night,

And pleasures banish pain.

We’re feeding on the living Bread,

We’re drinking at the fountain head;

And who-so drinketh, Jesus said,

Shall never, never thirst again.

Chorus

What! never thirst again?

No, never thirst again!

What! never thirst again?

No, never thirst again!

Verse 2

There everlasting spring abides,

And never withering flowers;

Death, like a narrow sea, divides

His heavenly land from ours.

Verse 3

O could we make our doubts remove

Those gloomy thoughts that rise,

And see the Canaan that we love

With unbeclouded eyes.

Verse 4

Could we but climb where Moses stood

And view the landscape o’er

Not Jordan’s stream, nor death’s cold flood,

Should fright us from the shore.

Chorus

And who-so drinketh, Jesus said,

Shall never, never thirst again!       

 SALIENT POINTS:

This is a classic hymn, likely written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748).

BIBLE REFERENCES FOR THE HYMN:

VERSE 1:

John 4:14

“But those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”

John 6:35

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'”

Revelation 21:4

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more.”

VERSE 2:

Psalm 46:4

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.”

Isaiah 35:1-2

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus, it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.”

1 Corinthians 15:55

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

VERSE 3:

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Deuteronomy 34:1-4

(Moses’ view of Canaan)

Psalm 121:1-2

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

VERSE 4:

Deuteronomy 34:1-4

(Moses’ view of Canaan)

Joshua 1:2-3

“Moses my servant is dead. Now proceed to cross the Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them.”

Hebrews 12:22-24

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering.”

This Hymn Emphasizes:

1. Eternal life and satisfaction in Christ.

2. Heavenly bliss and the absence of sorrow.

3. Faith and assurance of God’s promises.

4. The hope of entering God’s heavenly kingdom.

Title: There Is A Land Of Pure Delight

Author: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

Year: 1707

Tune: Various, including “St. Edmund” and “Miles Lane”

Isaac Watts’ Background:

Isaac Watts was an English Nonconformist minister, hymn writer, and theologian. Born in Southampton, England, Watts was educated at the University of London and became a prominent figure in the Nonconformist movement. He wrote over 700 hymns, many of which are still sung today.

Hymn History:

“There Is A Land Of Pure Delight” was first published in Watts’ collection “Hymns and Spiritual Songs” in 1707. The hymn is based on Psalm 16:3-11 and Revelation 21:1-4, describing the joys of heaven and the promise of eternal life.

Original Purpose:

Watts wrote this hymn to encourage believers to focus on their heavenly inheritance and to find comfort in the promise of eternal life.

Popularity and Legacy:

This hymn has been widely used in various Christian denominations and has been translated into several languages. Its enduring popularity stems from its vivid imagery, poetic language, and timeless themes.

Notable Performances and Recordings:

This hymn has been recorded by various artists, including:

1. The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge

2. The London Symphony Orchestra

3. The Bach Choir of Bethlehem

4. Traditional hymn singers like George Beverly Shea

Interesting Facts:

1. Watts’ hymns were influential in shaping American hymnody.

2. This hymn is often paired with the tune “St. Edmund,” composed by Thomas Turton.

3. Watts’ writings emphasized the importance of reason, passion, and simplicity in worship.

Thank You Jesus,

Salvation Prayers

If you don’t Know Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and would like to accept him into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, Please say this prayer:

Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your Will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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