THE GOD OF ABRAHAM PRAISE

Amazing Grace

Thomas Olivers, 1725–1799

Based on the revised Yigdal of Daniel ben Judah, 14th century

You who fear the Lord, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor Him! (Psalm 22:23)

The story of God’s dealing with Israel is an incredible one: the sovereign God preserving and directing throughout history the affairs of His chosen people. Beginning with Abraham, “the father of many nations,” the Jewish people have been persecuted frequently, yet never destroyed. From the Jews we have received the Ten Commandments and eventually our Messiah-Redeemer. “Salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22).

Thomas Olivers, author of “The God of Abraham Praise,” was one of John Wesley’s 18th century evangelists. He traveled extensively throughout England and Ireland, fearlessly preaching the gospel but often encountering violent opposition. Olivers states that he wrote this hymn after listening to the preaching of a Jewish rabbi at the Duke’s Place Synagogue, Oldgate, London. There he also heard Meyer Lyon (Leoni), a well-known Jewish cantor, sing the Doxology of Yigdal from the Hebrew liturgy. Composed around 1400, the Yigdal was based upon the 13 articles of Jewish faith. Olivers was so impressed by the service and especially the music that he began writing this text to fit the meter of the tune he had heard. The name of the melody used, “Leoni,” was in honor of Cantor Meyer Lyon.

The God of Abraham is still our God today and is worthy of our praises to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—both now and through eternity.

The God of Abraham praise, who reigns enthroned above, ancient of everlasting days, and God of love. Jehovah, great I AM, by earth and heav’n confessed, I bow and bless the sacred Name forever blest.

The God of Abraham praise, at whose supreme command from earth I rise and seek the joys at His right hand. I all on earth forsake, its wisdom, fame and pow’r, and Him my only portion make, my shield and tow’r.

He by Himself hath sworn—I on His oath depend; I shall, on eagles’ wings upborne, to heav’n ascend. I shall behold His face, I shall His pow’r adore, and sing the wonders of His grace forevermore.

The whole triumphant host give thanks to God on high; “Hail, Father, Son and Holy Ghost!” they ever cry. Hail, Abraham’s God and mine! I join the heav’nly lays; all might and majesty are Thine and endless praise.

Ask God to give you opportunity to witness to a Jewish person and graciously tell him that Jesus Christ, his long-awaited Messiah, has come and desires to be his personal Redeemer-Lord. Praise the God of Abraham as you go—

For Today: Exodus 3:14; 15:1–19; Lamentations 5:19; Hebrews 13:8

Osbeck, K. W.

• And God answered Moses, I AM THAT I AM. Also he said, Thus shalt thou say unt the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Exodus 3:14
• Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and said in this manner, I will sing unto the Lord: for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and him that rode upon him hath he overthrown in the Sea. The Lord is my strength, and praise, and he is become my salvation. He is my God, and I will prepare him a tabernacle: he is my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of war, his Name is Jehovah. Pharaoah’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also were drowned in the red Sea. The depths have covered them, they sank to hte bottom as a stone. Thy right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath bruised the enemy. And in thy great glory thou hast overthrown them that rose against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as the stubble. And by the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered, the floods stood still as an heap, the depths congealed together in the heart of the Sea. The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake them, I will divide the spoil, my lust shall be satisfied upon them, I will draw my sword, mine hand shall destroy them. Thou blewest with thy wind, the sea covered them, they sank as lead in the mighty waters. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods! Whos is like thee so glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders! Thou strechest out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou wilt by thy mercy carry this people, which thou deliveredst, thou wilt bring them in thy strength unto thine holy habitation. The people shall hear and be afraid: sorrow shall come upon the inhabitants of Philistia. Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed, and tremblling shall come upon the great men of Moab: all the inhabitants of Canaan shall wax faint hearted. Fear and dread shall fall upon them: because of the greatness of thine arm, they shall be still as a stone, till thy people pass, O Lord: till this people pass, which thou hast purchased. Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, which is the place that thou hast prepared, O Lord, for to dwell in, even the sanctuary, O Lord, which thine hands shall establish. The Lord shall reign forever, and ever. For Pharoah’s horses went with his chariots and horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought the waters of the sea upon them: but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. Exodus15:1–19
• But thou, O Lord, remainest forever: thy throne is from generation to generation. Lamentations 5:19
• Remember them which have the oversight of you, which have declared unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering what hath been the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ yesterday, and today, the same also is forever. Hebrews 13:8