Since Resurrection Sunday falls in March this year, I thought I would feature two hymns that focus on Jesus and the cross. “Hallelujah, What a Savior” (also known as “Man of Sorrows”) was written by Philip Bliss, and “Look, Ye Saints” was written by Thomas Kelly.
While, at first glance, it would seem that these two songs don’t have much to do with each other, if you look further, you will find an interesting connection in their lyrics.
The first line of “Hallelujah, What a Savior” refers to Jesus as a “Man of Sorrows.” This title was taken from Isaiah 53, a well-known passage that described the crucifixion of Christ seven hundred years before it took place.
The hymn goes on to detail Jesus’ death, resurrection, and second coming. It highlights His glory against the backdrop of our unworthiness to receive His gift of salvation. The entire song shows how Christ deserves the glory for the amazing, wonderful Savior He is.
“Look, Ye Saints” starts from a completely different standpoint… the perspective of the saints in Heaven upon receiving their triumphant Savior. It goes on to tell how everyone will one day bow to Jesus and crown Him king, briefly looking back on the day of His death, when He was given a crown of thorns.
This hymn, too, focuses on the glory Christ is due for taking the penalty for our sins upon Himself. But the most beautiful thing that ties the two songs together are their beginning lines. As I mentioned before, “Hallelujah, What a Savior” names Jesus as the “Man of Sorrows”. In the second line of “Look, Ye Saints,” the hymn says, “See the Man of Sorrows now!”
The suffering servant who bore the wrath of God for our transgressions did not stay dead. He rose and ascended to Heaven as the Victor over sin, death, and Hell. Satan thought he won the day he put to death the Son of God, but Jesus proved him wrong by bursting from the tomb in triumph.
When we celebrate the resurrection, we are celebrating the fact that we no longer have to fear the grave. Jesus, the Man of Sorrows—the defeater of death—is also our Savior, and He deserves all of the praise and glory we can give Him.
Click here to listen to the tune to “Hallelujah, What a Savior,” and click here to hear the tune to “Look Ye Saints.” You can read the lyrics to both songs below:
Hallelujah, What a Savior
Man of sorrows what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood,
Sealed my pardon with His blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Guilty, vile, and helpless, we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He,
Full atonement, can it be?
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew this song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Look, Ye Saints
Verse 1:
Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious:
See the Man of Sorrows now;
From the fight returned victorious,
Every knee to Him shall bow.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crowns become the Victor’s brow.
Verse 2:
Crown the Savior, angels, crown Him;
Rich the trophies Jesus brings;
In the seat of pow’r enthrone Him,
While the vault of heaven rings.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crown the Savior King of kings.
Verse 3:
Sinners in derision crowned Him,
Mocking thus the Savior’s claim;
Saints and angels crowd around Him,
Own His title, praise His name.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Spread abroad the Victor’s fame!
Verse 4:
Hark, those bursts of acclamation!
Hark! those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station;
O what joy the sight affords!
Crown Him! Crown Him!
King of kings, and Lord of lords!
Comment below your Hymn of the Month suggestions!