Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary ‎#553

553. Behold a Host, Arrayed in White

1 Behold a host, arrayed in white,
Like thousand snow-clad mountains bright;
With palms they stand. Who is this band
Before the throne of light?
Lo, these are they, of glorious fame
Who from the great affliction came
And in the flood of Jesus' blood
Are cleansed from guilt and blame.
Now gathered in the holy place,
Their voices they in worship raise;
Their anthems swell where God doth dwell
Mid angels' songs of praise.

2 Despised and scorned, they sojourned here;
But now, how glorious they must appear!
Those martyrs stand, a priestly band,
God's throne forever near.
So oft in troubled days gone by,
In anguish they would weep and sigh;
At home above the God of love
For aye their tears shall dry.
They now enjoy their Sabbath rest,
The paschal banquet of the blest;
The Lamb, their Lord, at festal board
Himself is Host and Guest.

3 Then hail! ye mighty legions, yea,
All hail! Now safe and blest for aye;
And praise the Lord, who with His Word
Sustained you on the way.
Ye did the joys of earth disdain,
Ye toiled and sowed in tears and pain;
Farewell, now bring your sheaves and sing
Salvation's glad refrain.
Swing high your palms, lift up your song,
Yea, make it myriad voices strong:
Eternally shall praise to Thee,
God, and the Lamb belong.

Text Information

• First Line: Behold a host, arrayed in white
• Title: Behold a Host, Arrayed in White
• Other... Title: Den store hvide Flok vi se
• Author: H. A. Brorson, 1694-1764
• Meter: P M
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Topic: Saints and Martyrs
• Source: The Lutheran Hymnary, 1913 (tr.)

Tune Information

• Name: DEN STORE HVIDE FLOK
• Harmonizer: E. H. Grieg, 1843-1907
• Meter: P M
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Norwegian folk tune, 17th cent.