I have surely built thee an house - Choir Script PDF Thumbnail
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Edition by James Gibb
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Added Jul 31, 2026
Composer: William Boyce
Format: Staff
Language: English
Pages: 10 pages
This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.

I have surely built thee an house by William Boyce — Lyrics

I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, … O Lord my God: That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.
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About I have surely built thee an house

William Boyce's I have surely built thee an house is a sacred verse anthem for SATB choir, suitable for a dedicatory occasion. The text, drawn from the Old Testament, speaks of the building of Solomon's Temple and the prophet's humble awe at the immensity of God, even in the face of such a grand structure. The composer sets this contemplative and reverent text with clear, direct musical language, appropriate for a dedicated performance space. The anthem moves from grand pronouncements about the divine presence to a heartfelt plea for divine favour and forgiveness, making it a powerful reflection on faith and sanctuary.