This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hail Thou King of saints
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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Hail Thou King of saints by Supply Belcher — Lyrics
Hail Thou King of saints,
This day arise, and dwell among Thy people,
Thou and the ark of Thy strength.
Let Thy saints, O Lord, be clothed with righteousness,
And let Thy saints sing,
Let them sing with joyfulness.
But will God indeed dwell on earth?
Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens
Cannot contain Thee.
Yet, have respect to the prayer of Thy servants.
Hear, O Lord, in heaven Thy dwelling place,
And when Thou hearest, forgive.
For Thy servant, David's sake
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About Hail Thou King of saints
Supply Belcher was a composer of sacred music in early America, active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His anthems often drew on biblical texts, and Hail Thou King of Saints is no exception. This SATB setting in English presents a prayer for divine presence and forgiveness, weaving together verses that speak of God's immensity with humble supplication. The text ranges from a call for God to dwell among His people, to a plea that He respect their prayers, culminating in the declaration of Zion as His chosen habitation. Belcher's music would have been sung in the congregational singing tradition of its time.
