The Hand That Made Us Is Divine
September 2010 – Grace & Truth Magazine
The Hand That Made Us Is Divine
The spacious firmament on high, With all the blue ethereal sky, And spangled heavens, a shining frame, Their great Original proclaim. The unwearied Sun from day to day Does his Creator’s power display; And publishes to every land The work of an Almighty hand.
Soon as the evening shades prevail, The Moon takes up the wondrous tale; And nightly to the listening Earth Repeats the story of her birth: Whilst all the stars that round her burn, And all the planets in their turn, Confirm the tidings as they roll, And spread the truth from pole to pole.
What though in solemn silence all Move round the dark terrestrial ball; What though nor real voice nor sound Amidst their radiant orbs be found? In Reason’s ear they all rejoice, And utter forth a glorious voice; Forever singing as they shine, “The Hand that made us is divine.” — Joseph Addison, 1672-1719
The Heavens Declare God’s Glory
Psalm 19:1-6 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their sound has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
— King David (1040-970 BC)