Composer

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Bartholomäus Gesius

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

Average_duration

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3:36

Befiehl du deine Wege is a hymn composed by Bartholomäus Gesius in the early 17th century. The hymn is based on Psalm 37:5, which reads "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this." The hymn is often sung during times of trial or uncertainty, as it encourages the listener to trust in God's plan for their life. The hymn was first published in Gesius' collection of hymns titled "Geistliche Deutsche Lieder" in 1601. The collection was widely popular and helped to establish Gesius as a prominent composer of sacred music in Germany. Befiehl du deine Wege is a four-movement hymn, with each movement expressing a different aspect of the Christian faith. The first movement is a call to trust in God's plan, with the lyrics "Befiehl du deine Wege und was dein Herze kränkt der allertreusten Pflege des, der den Himmel lenkt." (Commit your ways and whatever grieves your heart to the faithful care of him who rules the heavens.) The second movement is a reminder that God is always with us, even in times of trouble. The lyrics read "Der Wolken, Luft und Winden gibt Wege, Lauf und Bahn, der wird auch Wege finden, da dein Fuß gehen kann." (He who gives the clouds, air, and wind their paths will also find ways for your feet to walk.) The third movement is a plea for God's guidance and protection. The lyrics read "Dem Herren musst du trauen, wenn dir's soll wohlergehn; auf sein Werk musst du schauen, wenn dein Werk soll bestehn." (You must trust in the Lord if you want to prosper; you must look to his work if your work is to succeed.) The final movement is a declaration of faith and trust in God's plan. The lyrics read "Denn welcher seine Zuversicht auf Gott setzt, der verlässt sich nicht; wer ihm vertraut, den verlässt er nicht in aller Not." (For he who puts his trust in God will never be forsaken; he who trusts in him will never be abandoned in times of trouble.) Overall, Befiehl du deine Wege is a hymn that encourages the listener to trust in God's plan and to seek his guidance and protection in all aspects of life. Its timeless message has made it a beloved hymn in the Christian tradition for over 400 years.

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