The Incomparable God
DEUTERONOMY 33:24-29
Deuteronomy is a covenant renewal document which in its total structure exhibits the classic legal form of the suzerainty treaties of the Mosaic age:
§ Preamble [1:1-5]; historical prologue [1:6-4:49]; stipulations [[5-26]; curses and blessings or covenant ratification [27-30]; succession arrangements or covenant continuity, in which are included the invocation of witnesses and directions for the disposition and public reading of the treaty [31-34]. Chs.31-34 are consistently concerned with the continuity and perpetuation of the covenant relationship.
§ Yahweh is the suzerain who gives the covenant to Moses his vicegerent and the covenant mediator: “Moses spoke according to all that the Lord commanded him…” [1:1-5]. Moses is Yahweh’s mediator-king of Israel (The Treaty of the Great King, 40).
In the ANE a dying father’s final blessings spoken to his sons were an irrevocable legal testament, accepted as decisive evidence in court disputes.
§ In the case of the biblical patriarchs the authority and potency of their last blessings derived from the Spirit of prophecy in them, speaking in the testamentary form. For example, Isaac in Genesis 27 and Jacob in Genesis 49.
§ As spiritual and theocratic father of the twelve tribes, Moses pronounced his blessing on Israel: “before his death” [33:1]. Moses’ words constitute his testament.
§ In as far as Deuteronomy was a dynastic guarantee, Joshua as Moses’ successor was the heir of the covenant.
Moses’ poetic testament contains three parts:
§ An introduction, describing the glory of the Lord as he declared his kingship in giving of his theocratic covenant to Jeshurun [33:2-5].
§ The blessings of the tribes, these being in the form of prayers, doxologies, imperatives, and predictions [33:6-25].
§ A conclusion, extolling God, the majestic Protector of Jeshurun [33:26-29].
- THE GLORY OF THE LORD [33:2-5]
The final blessing of Moses: “this is the blessing wherewith Moses…” [33:1].
1. The Heavenly Vision
a. The Descent
The coming if God at Sinai is depicted as if it had been a sunrise: “the Lord came from Sinai…” [33:2].
§ יְהוָ֞ה - “Lord” [33:2], Israel’s covenant Saviour: “I am that I am…” [Exo.3:14].
§ בָּא֙ - “came” [33:2], qal perfect, ‘to arrive’; ‘to make linear motion to a particular reference point’;
§ מִסִּינַ֥י - “Sinai” [33:2], the name of the mountain before which Israel encamped as God through Moses entered into covenant with them [Ex 19–24].
§ Sinai is the place of revelation: “the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai…” [Exo.19:11-24].
b. The Theophany
Yahweh’s progression with Israel is theophonic because of the terms used.
i. Seir
There is the sunrise imagery: “rose up from Seir…” [33:2].
§ זָרַ֤ח – “rose up” [33:2], ‘sun rise’; ‘the ascending motion of the sun’; ‘to appear’; “as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him…” [Gen.32:31].
§ מִשֵּׂעִיר֙ - “Seir” [33:2],
§ Seir is the place of deliverance: “Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore” [Deu.2:4].
ii. Paran
There is the shining light imagery: “he shined forth from mount Paran” [33:2].
§ הוֹפִ֙יעַ - “shined forth” [33:2], hiphil perfect, ‘have presence of bright light’;
§ פָּארָ֔ן - “Paran” [33:2], a poetic name for Mount Sinai;
§ Paran is the place of rest and sustenance: “the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran…” [Num.10:12].
2. The Holy War
The holy war imagery continues with Yahweh’s coming with his myriads of holy ones:
a. The Heavenly Host
The heavenly host: “he came with ten thousands of saints…” [33:2].
§ מֵרִבְבֹ֣ת - “ten thousands” [33:2], ‘from ten thousand’;
§ קֹ֑דֶשׁ - “saints” [33:2], ‘holy ones’;
b. The Warriors
God was accompanied by divine warriors: “from his right hand a fiery law…” [33:2].
§ מִֽימִינ֕וֹ - “right hand” [33:2], ‘right hand’; ‘south’;
§ אֵ֥שׁ֯דָּ֖ת - “fiery law” [33:2], ‘mountain slopes’; ‘lower part of a mountainous area’; ‘bottom’; ‘slope’; ‘foundation’;
§ לָֽמוֹ - “for them” [33:2], singular suffix, ‘to him’;
i. Example Translations
The following are examples of the different translations offered:
§ ESV - “with flaming fire at his right hand” [33:2].
§ NIV- “from his mountain slopes” [33:2].
§ NAS – “there was flashing lightening for them” [33:2].
§ McConville – “angels at his right hand” [33:2].
§ Keil and Delitzsch – ‘accompanied by thunder and lightening’.
Application
3. The Lord’s Choice of Israel
a. The Choice > Love of all Nations?
The Lord’s choice of Israel: “he loved the people...” [33:3].
§ אַ֚ף - “yea” [33:3], ‘also’;
§ חֹבֵ֣ב - “loved” [33:3], qal participle, “The Lord did not love you because…but because he loved you” [7:6-8].
§ עַמִּ֔ים - “the people” [33:3], the people of the world in general?
b. Result
i. Protection
The people belong to the Lord and enjoy his protection: “all his saints in thy hands…” [33:3].
§ כָּל־קְדֹשָׁ֖יו - “his saints” [33:3], that is, the “children of Israel” [33:1];
§ בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ - “in thy hands” [33:3], that is ‘in the hands of the Lord’; “no one is able to pluck them from my Father’s hand” [Joh.10:29].
ii. Submission
The people bow in submission to him: “they sat down at thy feet…” [33:3].
§ תֻּכּ֣וּ - “sat down” [33:3], pual perfect, ‘pertaining to being in a prostrate position, with the associative meanings of being submissive and respectful of a superior’;
iii. Hope
The people were lifted by the Lord’s words: “everyone shall receive of thy words” [33:3].
§ יִשָּׂ֖א - “receive” [33:3], qal imperfect, ‘to lift up’;
§ מִדַּבְּרֹתֶֽיךָ - “thy word” [33:3], ‘cause’; ‘legal case presented to a judge’; reference to the covenant revelation: “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” [Psa.110:4].
Application
The Lord is the Warrior God: “the Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name” [Exo.15:3].
§ “Thy right hand has become glorious in power, thy right hand, O Lord, has dashed in pieces the enemy” [Exo.15:6];
- THE COVENANT GOD OF ISRAEL
1. The Covenant Love
Yahweh distinguishes Israel in the presence of the divine counsel by giving them the law, and by assuming the status of King in Jeshurun.
a. Moses the Mediator
As Yahweh’s earthly representative, Moses gave his covenant with its kingdom promises to Israel: “Moses commanded us a law…” [33:4].
§ מֹשֶׁ֑ה - “Moses” [33:4], note the role given to Moses in [5:23-34].
b. The Mediator of the Covenant
The law received at Sinai was to be the constitution of the new state of Israel: “commanded is a law…” [33:4].
§ צִוָּה־לָ֖נוּ - “commanded” [33:4], piel perfect, ‘give direction or decree’; ‘state with force or authority’;
§ תּוֹרָ֥ה - “law” [33:4], ‘teaching or instruction’;
§ מוֹרָשָׁ֖ה - “inheritance” [33:4], ‘possession’; ‘an inheritance received’; ‘In Israel’s history the root takes on its double force, to inherit and to dispossess, in relationship to the covenant. God made a covenant with Israel that they would become his own special people (e.g. Ex 19:5f.). A major benefit on Israel’s side was the promise of an inheritance, namely a land where they could develop into a holy nation (Gen 15:8; Ex 6:8)’;
c. The Covenant Overlord – The King
The basis and culmination of this relationship is the Lord’s sovereignty: “he was king in Jeshurun…” [33:5].
§ מֶ֑לֶךְ - “king” [33:5], ‘governmental head’; ‘in ancient government the king embodied political, social, religious, and military authority’;
§ יְהִ֥י - “was” [33:5], qal imperfect, ‘to be’; ‘to become’;
2. The Covenant People
a. Jeshurun
The Lord was king in “Jeshurun” [33:5].
§ בִישֻׁר֖וּן - “Jeshurun” [33:5], based on the Hebrew word y¹shar, ‘to be level, straight, (up) right, just, lawful; suggests Israel’s ‘uprightness’ at least as an ideal’.
i. The Covenant People
The name “Jeshurun” [33:26] is a name given to the nation of Israel:
§ The un ending is an affectionate diminutive; it is a term of endearment, of affection;
§ It is a ‘symbolic name of the nation of Jacob/Israel showing special relationship’: “I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God” [Exo.6:7].
§ The rest of the name may be related to yasar, meaning ‘upright’, that is, ‘what God requires his people to be’: “if you will obey my voice, and keep my covenant, you shall be a special treasure unto me…” [Exo.19:6].
b. Israel Constituted
It is because He is King that he has the power and authority to convene the leaders of the people at a time of covenant-making: “when the heads of the people…” [33:5].
§ The constitution of the people at Sinai: “Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel” [Exo.24:1].
3. The New Era
The context is clear; Israel is going though a transition in leadership as they go forward.
a. Change of Location
i. The Promised Inheritance
Israel will go forward to inherit the promise of Yahweh: “Thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord has sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it” [31:7].
ii. The Enemy
Israel will face hostile nations: “When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and you see horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou…” [20:1].
§ Protection: “you shall not fear them: for the Lord your God will fight for you” [3:22].
b. Change in Leadership
Moses will be succeeded by Joshua:
§ Moses: “you shall not see the land before you…” [32:52].
§ Joshua: “shall go before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see” [3:28].
§ Moses pronounces the blessings on all the tribes of Israel.
Application
The nations stood on the threshold of a new era in its lifetime; the path lying ahead was one beset on every side with danger….
§ There are giants to be overcome; there are battles to be fought and won.
§ The nation’s need for assurance, for the certainty that Moses’ God would be with them.
Application
The revelation of the God is the source of encouragement: “I was a husband unto them, says the Lord” [Jer.31].
- THE INCOMPARABLE GOD
As in the introduction, Moses turns to the whole nation and extols the true Giver of the blessings which he bequeathed. This closing section extols the uniqueness of Israel’s God and his tenderness of His care over them.
1. The Incomparable God
a. Incomparable God
The incomparable God: “there is none like the God of Jeshurun…” [33:26].
§ אֵ֥ין – “none” [33:26], a negative particle adverb,
§ כָּאֵ֖ל – “like God” [33:26], preposition of comparison,
b. God of Jeshurun
The incomparable God is: “God of Jeshurun…” [33:26].
§ יְשֻׁר֑וּן - “Jeshurun” [33:26], symbolic name of the nation of Jacob/Israel showing special relationship’;
Application
The focus of our attention: ‘consider who the Lord God is’.
§ The song of Moses after the exodus: “Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” [Exo.15:11].
§ A discovery of who God is; what God is like;
2. The Incomparable God is ‘Near You’
a. God’s Presence
i. The Omnipresence of God
God’s movement and journeying: “who rides upon the heaven in thy help…” [33:26].
§ רֹכֵ֤ב - “rides” [33:26], qal participle, ‘to mount’; ‘to get up on animal or vehicle’;
§ שָׁמַ֙יִם - “heaven” [33:26],
§ בְגַאֲוָת֖וֹ - “in his excellency” [33:26], ‘majesty, glory, triumph’; ‘having high status or rank’;
§ שְׁחָקִֽים - “sky” [33:26], cloud’; ‘visible atmospheric mass of moisture particle’;
ii. The Omnipotence of God
‘Riding upon the heaven and the clouds is a figure used to denote the unlimited omnipotence with which God rules the world out of heaven’.
§ Psalm 18: “And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind…” [Psa.18:10].
§ Psalm 68: “Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rides upon the heavens by his name JAH…” [Psa.68:4]; “To him that rides upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old…” [Psa.68:33];
§ Check the NIVAC Commentary by G H Wilson on Psalm 18 and Psalm 68 for insight on this.
iii. The Incarnate God
The Lord God is especially present in the new covenant: “The Word was made flesh…” [Joh.1:14].
§ God with us: “she shall call his name Immanuel…” [Isa.7:14].
§ God for us: “if God be for us who can be against us” [Rom.8:31].
b. God’s Help
God’s purpose: “in thy help…” [33:26].
§ בְעֶזְרֶ֔ךָ - “in thy help” [33:26], ‘helper, assistant’; ‘one who assists and serves another with what is needed’; translation – ‘to help you’;
Application
A travelling God; near and close; moving speedily to help us in time of trouble: “I bore you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself” [Exo.19:4].
§ God is the immanent God…; God does not leave his people alone
§ Promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” [
3. The Incomparable God is ‘Around You’
The Lord is praised as Israel’s Defender in the subsequent conquest of the enemy:
a. The Refuge
God is a ‘dwelling place’ for his people: “the eternal God is thy refuge…” [33:27].
§ אֱלֹ֣הֵי קֶ֔דֶם - “eternal God” [33:27], ‘having existed a long time in the past’; ‘eternity’; ‘for ever’; ‘the God of old’, the God who has proved himself “in all generations” [Psa.90:1].
§ מְעֹנָה - “refuge” [33:27], the verbal root `wn is unattested in Hebrew; the Arabic verb ²âna means ‘to cover, conceal’;
b. The Home
The basic meaning of the word is ‘dwelling place’; place of protection, love and care God is the home of the people of God.
§ The ‘dwelling place’ signifies ‘a state of safety from danger as a figurative extension of a hiding place’: “thou art my hiding place, thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance” [Psa.32:7].
§ ‘A genuine Mosaic figure, to which, in all probability, the houseless wandering of the people in the desert, which made them feel the full worth of a dwelling, first gave rise’: “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place…” [Psa.90:1]; “because thou hast made the Lord, my refuge, the Most High, thy habitation” [Psa.91:9].
§ My home is my castle: “Thou hast been a shelter for me; a strong tower from the enemy” [Psa.61:3].
c. Elisha & God’s Army
The King of Syria was at war against Israel [2Kings 6].
§ The enemy surrounded the city: “when the servant of the man of God was risen early, a host compassed the city both with horses and chariots” [2Kgs.6:15].
§ The servant’s fear: “Alas, how shall we do? Fear not…” [2Kgs.6:16].
§ The revelation: “the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” [2Kgs.6:17].
Application
The psalmist: “the angel of the Lord encamps…” [Psa.34].
§ When we are in trouble and we have strength to run, we can run to the shelter that God provides.
4. The Incomparable God is ‘Underneath You’
a. The Everlasting Arms
God is the one who supports his people: “underneath are the everlasting arms…” [33:27].
§ זְרֹעֹ֣ת - “arms” [33:27], ‘that which has potency and ability to accomplish something’;
§ עוֹלָ֑ם – “everlasting” [33:27], ‘unending’; ‘durable, lasting’; ‘unfailing’; ‘exhaustless’;
§ The “arm” of salvation: “I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments” [Exo.6:6]; “The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God…” [Isa.52:10].
b. The God who Carries
i. The Support
The everlasting arms of God: “are underneath…” [33:27].
§ מִתַּ֖חַת - “underneath” [33:27], ‘a position which is below or underneath the surface’; the expression ‘underneath’ is to be explained from the antithesis to the heaven where God is enthroned above mankind: “rides upon the heavens…” [33:26].
ii. The Loving Care
As a tender loving mother holds and nurses her beloved child, so God carries his people to safety: “I bore you on eagle’s wings…” [Exo.19:4].
§ The power of God throughout their history: “O house of Jacob, who were borne by me from the belly, who are carried from the womb. And even to your old age I am he…even I will carry you and deliver you” [Isa.46:3-6].
§ The shepherding care of the Lord: “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young…” [Isa.40:11].
c. The Security
God is the King who will deliver Canaan into their hand as he expels their enemies: “he shall thrust out the enemy from…” [33:27].
§ יְגָ֧רֶשׁ - “thrust” [33:27], piel imperfect, ‘to drive out’; ‘to expel’;
§ אוֹיֵ֖ב - “enemy” [33:27], ‘to be openly hostile towards another’;
§ מִפָּנֶ֛יךָ - “from before thee” [33:27], ‘from the face’; ‘from in front of’;
§ הַשְׁמֵֽד - “destroy them” [33:27], hiphil imperative, ‘demolish, annihilate, wipe’;
Application
When we are in trouble, and paralysed where we are, the Lord ‘carries us in his arms like a nursing mother’.
- THE INCOMPARABLE PEOPLE
1. Israel’s Benefactor
The Lord is praised as Israel’s Benefactor and settlement in the paradise land:
a. Safety
The driving put of the enemy gives way to peaceful and secure occupation of the land: “Israel then shall dwell in safety alone…” [33:28].
§ יִּשְׁכֹּן - “dwell” [33:28], ‘to live, inhabit, abide’;
§ בֶּ֤טַח - “in safety” [33:28], ‘confidence’; ‘a belief or feeling of safety or confidence’;
§ בָּדָד - “alone” [33:28], ‘apart’; ‘pertaining to being unique in a class because you are the only one in a space’;
b. Provision
i. Israel
The people shall enjoy great prosperity: “the fountain of Jacob…” [33:28].
§ עֵ֣ין - “fountain” [33:28], ‘eye, understanding’; ‘spring of water’; an allusion to the fact that from Jacob came forth a large nation
§ יַעֲקֹ֔ב - “Jacob” [33:28],
ii. The Promised Land
The land of promise: “upon a land of corn and wine…” [33:28].
§ דָּגָ֣ן וְתִיר֑וֹשׁ - “corn and wine” [33:28],
§ אַף־שָׁמָ֖יו - “his heavens” [33:28],
§ יַ֥עַרְפוּ - “drop down” [33:28], ‘to trickle, drip, drop’;
§ טָֽל - “dew” [33:28], ‘night-mist’; ‘moisture condensed on surfaces, especially at night’;
§ The Promised Land: “The Lord thy God brings thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water…” [8:7-10]; “That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season…” [11:14];
Application
2. The Incomparable People
The uniqueness of Israel’s beatitude derived from the uniqueness of Israel’s Saviour-Lord [v.26a].
a. The Question
The blessing of all Israel ends with a note of triumphant hope for the whole nation:
§ מִ֣י - “who” [33:29], interrogative, ‘usually refers to persons and seeks only the identity, ancestry or some external fact’;
§ עַ֚ם - “people” [33:29], ‘nation’; ‘group of people related biologically as well as well as language and other culturally common features’;
§ כָמ֗וֹךָ - “is like you” [33:29],
b. The Description
i. The People
The characteristics of the people: “people saved by the Lord…” [33:29].
§ נוֹשַׁ֣ע - “saved” [33:29], niphal perfect, ‘to deliver’; ‘to be in a situation safe and free from danger’;
§ בַּֽיהוָ֔ה - “Lord” [33:29], the Covenant Saviour God of Israel [Exo.3:14];
ii. The Lord
The Lord is: “the shield of thy help…” [33:29].
§ מָגֵ֣ן - “shield” [33:29], ‘a defensive weapon that protects from attack, made of a frame with leather cover’; “I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward…” [Gen.15:1].
§ The Psalmist: “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head” [Psa.3:3]; “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower…” [Psa.18:2]; “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory…” [Psa.84:11];
§ עֶזְרֶ֔ךָ - “thy help” [33:29], ‘acts of supplying what is needed to another’; “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early…” [Psa.46:5];
§ חֶ֖רֶב - “sword” [33:29], ‘an offensive weapon’; ‘a metal weapon of war’; “the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God” [Eph.6:17].
§ גַּאֲוָתֶ֑ךָ - “thy excellency” [33:29], ‘glory, triumph’; ‘having high status or rank’;
c. A Desired People
Israel is a people to be desired above all else: “happy art thou, O Israel…” [33:29].
§ אַשְׁרֶ֨יךָ - “happy” [33:29], ‘blessed, happy’; ‘a heightened state of happiness and joy’; “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered…” [Psa.32:1];
§ There are two verbs in Hebrew meaning "to bless." One is b¹rak and the other '¹shar. Can any differences between them be tabulated? For one thing b¹rak is used by God when he "blesses" somebody. But there is no instance where '¹shar is ever on God's lips. When one "blesses” God the verb is b¹rak, never '¹shar.
§ One suggestion to explain this sharp distinction, i.e. that '¹shar is reserved for man, is that '¹shar is a word of envious desire, "to be envied with desire is the man who trusts in the Lord."
Application
3. The Triumphant People
Victory will come to Israel as her enemies bow before her; All must acknowledge the supremacy of the covenant people:
a. Submission
Their enemies will bow in submission: “thine enemies shall be found liars…” [33:29].
§ אֹיְבֶ֙יךָ - “enemies” [33:29], ‘to be hostile to’;
§ יִכָּֽחֲשׁ֤וּ - “found liars” [33:29], niphal imperfect, in the qal ‘to become thin or lean’; in the niphal ‘to bow in submission, but in fear and not in respect or relationship, as an extension of lying or not being truthful in the relationship’; ‘to deny’; ‘to deceive’; ‘to feign submission’; “Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid…” [Gen.18:15]; “it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God…” [Jos.24:27];
§ ‘to cower’, i.e., bow in submission, but in fear and not in respect or relationship, as an extension of lying or not being truthful in the relationship’;
b. Superiority
The enemies’ worship centres will be destroyed: “thou shalt tread upon their high places” [33:29].
§ תִדְרֹֽךְ - “tread” [33:39], ‘to trample or press with the feet’;
§ בָּמוֹתֵ֥ימוֹ - “high places” [33:29], ‘elevated place’; ‘worship centre, usually associated with pagan worship’; ‘back’ as part of the body;
i. The Sovereignty of God
The concept of “high places” is used to express God’s absolute supremacy over land and sea:
§ Job: “Who alone spreads out the heavens, and treads upon the waves of the sea…” [Job.9:8].
§ Amos: “and treads upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name…” [Amo.4:13].
ii. The Confidence of God’s People
The concept is also used express the confidence with which the people of God may enjoy his blessing:
§ Isaiah: “I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father…” [Isa.58:14].
§ Habakkuk: “The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places…” [Hab.3:19].
This last figure is that of a conqueror who places his foot upon his vanquished and fallen adversary as a sign of absolute dominion: “Judah…thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee” [Gen.49:8].
Application
In any case, Israel’s prospects, despite their historical shortcomings, were optimistic indeed, for the Lord would assure ultimate triumph.
‘O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus’ S. Trevor Francis, 1875.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!
’Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!