Composer

:

Charles Hutcheson

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:23

"O God of Bethel, by whose hand" is a hymn composed by Charles Hutcheson in the 18th century. The hymn was first published in 1776 in the Scottish Paraphrases, a collection of hymns and psalms used by the Church of Scotland. The hymn has since become a popular choice for worship services and has been included in many hymnals. The hymn is composed of four stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza begins with the line "O God of Bethel, by whose hand thy people still are fed." The hymn is a prayer of thanksgiving and supplication, acknowledging God's provision and asking for continued guidance and protection. The first movement of the hymn is characterized by a slow and steady tempo, with a simple melody that emphasizes the text. The second movement picks up the pace and adds more complexity to the melody, reflecting the increasing urgency of the prayer. The third movement returns to a slower tempo, with a more contemplative melody that emphasizes the final stanza's message of hope and trust in God. The hymn's text is based on the story of Jacob in the book of Genesis, where he has a vision of a ladder reaching up to heaven and hears God's promise to bless him and his descendants. The hymn's lyrics draw on this story, using it as a metaphor for the Christian's journey through life and their reliance on God's guidance and provision. Overall, "O God of Bethel, by whose hand" is a hymn of gratitude and trust, expressing the Christian's dependence on God's provision and guidance. Its simple melody and powerful lyrics have made it a beloved hymn for generations of worshippers.

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