gen-discern-and-explain-with-scripture-where-relevant-holy-holy-5af6

Discern and explain, with Scripture where relevant: Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty

# "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty" This magnificent hymn, written by Reginald Heber in 1826, is deeply rooted in Scripture and rich with theological truth. ## Biblical Foundation **The Threefold "Holy"** comes directly from Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8: - *"And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'"* (Isaiah 6:3) - *"And the four living creatures... day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'"* (Revelation 4:8) This **triple declaration** emphasizes: 1. **God's absolute holiness** - His complete separation from sin and moral perfection 2. **Trinitarian echo** - Though not explicit proof of the Trinity, the threefold repetition has been understood by the Church as reflecting Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 3. **Superlative emphasis** - Hebrew uses repetition for intensification; three times represents the ultimate superlative ## Key Theological Themes **"Lord God Almighty"** - reflects God's sovereign power (El Shaddai, Pantokrator) **"God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity"** - articulates the historic Christian doctrine that God is one essence in three co-equal, co-eternal persons **"Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee"** - echoes the Levitical practice and Psalm 5:3, *"O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice"* **Eternal nature** - "who wert and art and evermore shalt be" mirrors Revelation 4:8's description of God's eternal existence This hymn remains a powerful expression of **worship, reverence, and theological orthodoxy**.